6 June, 2011
The ICEM Presidium on 23 May endorsed the appointment of Kemal Özkan as new Director of Industry and Corporate Affairs effective 1 June. He picks up the new role in addition to his current duties of Chemical and Rubber Industries’ Officer, a position he has held since coming to the ICEM early in 2007.
As an engineer with a master’s degree in economics and business administration, Özkan worked at ICEM’s Turkish affiliate Petroleum, Chemical and Rubber Workers’ Union for some 15 years before joining the ICEM. Coming from a family of trade unionists, Özkan’s father was imprisoned for four years for union activity during the military coup d’état in Turkey in 1980.
“I am honoured to be named as new Director of Industry and Corporate Affairs of ICEM,” said Özkan. “It gives me more responsibility to ensure the success of our organization. I will continue to do my best efforts to reinforce ICEM activities in the sectors and in industrial relations.”
Added General Secretary Manfred Warda, “Kemal Özkan is a worthy person for this position with his knowledge, success, and activism. He has always shown his preparedness for taking further responsibility at the ICEM. I am sure with his new assignment he will again demonstrate his readiness to carry our flag into the future.”
Özkan is 42 years old and married to Selma Basak.