Thomas Fahnemann, chairman of Austrian producer of cellulose fibres Lenzing AG, has been elected president of CIRFS (Comité International de Rayon et des Fibres Synthéthiques), the association representing the European man-made fibres industry. He succeeds Omer Sabanci, who has served as president of CIRFS since 2004, and will hold the position for the next three years.

Speaking after his election, Mr Fahnemann stated, “I am convinced that CIRFS can play an even greater role in the future, in helping European man-made fibre producers to raise the share of value-added products and to gain easier access to the global market-place. CIRFS should be a real cutting-edge organisation with an international focus, that helps shape and develop markets in the interest of the European man-made fibres industry. I look forward to working with the members and staff of CIRFS to develop these objectives.”

CIRFS, whose members cover over 90% of European man-made fibre output, offers a range of services to the €13 billion industry and represents the sector in dealings with European authorities.