European fieldsports body appoints new Secretary General

The Federation of Associations for Hunting and Conservation of the EU (FACE) has appointed Filippo Segato as its new Secretary General following a publicly posted selection procedure that was launched in September 2013. The FACE Recruitment Selection Committee is pleased to announce that Filippo Segato has been appointed as FACE's new Secretary General. Italian of origin and German-educated, Filippo has been working in Brussels since 2006 in EU advocacy for diverse groups and interests, with a strong foundation in communications. Filippo has a long history with hunting: having passed his hunting licence in 1995, he volunteered for his local hunters' association and participated in a number of game management projects, wildlife surveys and damages assessments. Filippo is an avid waterfowler, with a deep interest in all hunting modes and game, and also founded the Italian French Pointer Kennel Club (Club Italiano Bracco Francese).

In regards to his new role, Mr Segato said, "I am delighted to be joining FACE and would like to thank President de Turckheim and the Membership for this unique opportunity. As stewards of our countryside and nature, hunters have a direct stake in safeguarding Europe's wildlife and biodiversity for future generations. Hunting is one of the expressions of Europe's incommensurable cultural heritage. It testifies to the bond between man and nature. The future of hunting lies in strengthening this bond, acting responsibly and implementing sustainable policies. To be part of this as FACE's Secretary General is a great prospect which I am keen to take forwards with the FACE Secretariat in Brussels, working with FACE Members and partners across Europe to connect their expertise and experience to the EU."

With an MA in International Cultural Management obtained from Genoa State University, fluent in the 3 official languages of FACE, Filippo combines a breadth of professional EU affairs and diverse hunting experience across Europe and we are excited to welcome him into FACE and begin this new chapter together for the future of European hunters.

FACE President Gilbert de Turckheim expressed his high confidence in Filippo's appointment: «We are very pleased to welcome Filippo to FACE, he brings a unique expertise to the table, being not only very experienced in the workings of EU affairs and a passionate hunter but also having a deep knowledge and understanding of communications which is an essential skill to increase public acceptance for hunting and address the challenges posed by changing European societies and their attitudes towards nature and animals. I am certain Filippo will give the 7 million hunters in Europe a convincing and widely heard and acknowledged voice.

Mr Segato will be taking up his position with FACE on Thursday 16 January.

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FACE (Federation of Associations for Hunting and Conservation of the EU) represents and promotes the interests of over 7 million European hunters in accordance with sustainable use of wildlife. It is an international non-profit making NGO whose Members are the national hunters' associations within 36 states of the Council of Europe, including the EU28, as well as 3 Associate Members. www.face.eu