Umberto de Pretto took up office as Secretary General of IRU in June 2013. He joined IRU in 1995 as Head of Economic Affairs. He then became Policy Coordinator and subsequently Head of Strategy and was appointed Deputy Secretary General in 2002.

His vision looking forward is that IRU will lead the road transport industry in embracing innovation and ensuring that the industry is ready for the challenges and opportunities ahead.

After graduating from Ottawa’s Carleton University in Political Science and International Relations, he worked as a Legislative Assistant for Ministers and Members of the Canadian Parliament. In 1992, he moved to Paris to take on the position of Head of the Transport Division of the International Chamber of Commerce. Shortly after he was named Deputy Director, responsible for International Commercial Practices and Techniques.

Sessions

• Ministers’ Round Table: Transport and climate change: Moving forward from COP29

          Wednesday 21 May, 15:30 – 17:00

• Plenary 2: Workforce Resilience and Emergency Preparedness

          Thursday 22 May, 14:15-15:15