05/02/2007 (Agence Europe) - On 1 January 2007, Dirk Ahner took up his position as Director General in DG Regional Policy, taking over from Graham Meadows, who has retired. Born in Lippstadt, Germany, in 1946, Mr Ahner joined the Commission in 1978, and has served in various capacities. Since 2003, he had been Deputy Director General responsible for rural development. (gb)