BRUSSELS – SEC Newgate EU has named a new CEO, promoting Feriel Saouli into the role from her current position as chief operating officer, while current chief executive Victoria Main is moving to a new role as chief business development officer.

Saouli (pictured, left) joined SEC Newgate EU – rebranded from Cambre Associates in January this year as part of ongoing integration of SEC Newgate’s agencies within its global group of companies – in 2011 and became COO in July 2018. She will retain her client portfolio and continue to grow the association management practice she launched in 2011.

Tom Parker remains as SEC Newgate’s executive chair and group deputy chief executive officer for EMEA. He said: “Feriel’s appointment as CEO is a natural continuation in the development of the company. She will bring a depth of expertise, experience and energy, building on the strong platform created under Victoria’s sound stewardship. With Victoria now driving business development, we are blessed to have two of the top women in our profession leading the business. I am very excited about our path forward.”

Main (pictured, right) has worked at the firm for eight years, joining as director of media in 2014 and becoming CEO in 2018. In her new role, she will be supporting clients, particularly with media and policy communications, as well as exploring new business opportunities across sectors and geographies.

She said: “I can’t think of any better successor as CEO than Feriel, who is not only a consummate professional with sky-high standards but is also a respected leader who knows our business inside out. I’m thrilled to be able to devote my full attention to my first loves of working with clients and developing new business.”

Saouli added: “After 11 years with the company, four of them managing its operations, I’m both excited and humbled to continue my journey leading SEC Newgate EU and its talented and passionate team through the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. We are very lucky to have Victoria drive our business development efforts.”

Originally founded as Cambre Associates in 2001, SEC Newgate EU offers media relations, policy communications, digital communications, advocacy and association management across the sustainability, chemicals, technology and trade sectors. It was acquired by Italian public affairs firm SEC in 2013, which then merged with Newgate-owner Porta in 2019 to form SEC Newgate.

SEC Newgate has around 900 staff, working in 45 offices and 15 countries. In March this year, it delisted from the AIM stock market and returned to private ownership with €49 million of private equity backing under the leadership of group chief executive Fiorenzo Tagliabue.