Spaniard takes over the reins at DG Research
The new Director-General of the Commission's Research DG has been announced as 56-year old José Manuel Silva Rodriguez from Spain. Prior to his career within the European Commission, Mr Silva was a professor at the School of Agricultural Engineers in Madrid, and worked in export companies. He was also an inspector at the Ministry of Economy and Trade. Since joining the Commission in 1986, Mr Silva has worked principally in the Agriculture DG, holding several Head of Unit posts before becoming Director General for Agricultural and Rural Development in 1999. Former Director-General Achilleas Mitsos has been appointed as an advisor 'hors classe' to Mr Silva.