New IRU Secretary General announced as Habib Turki

IRU’s General Assembly of members has voted to officially appoint Habib Turki as its next Secretary General.

Habib Turki was officially confirmed as the organization’s new Secretary General today in Geneva. Proposed by the Presidential Executive, IRU’s governing board, and voted in by IRU members, he will succeed current Secretary General Umberto de Pretto.

As IRU’s next Secretary General, Habib Turki will draw on nearly two decades of experience in trade, development and transport at international organizations to advance safe, efficient and green road transport.

Habib Turki previously served as IRU’s Regional Adviser for the Middle East from 2015 to 2018. During that time, he successfully positioned and grew IRU’s presence in the region, advocating for the accession of Oman, Palestine, Qatar and Saudi Arabia to the TIR system. He also oversaw the implementation of TIR in the United Arab Emirates.

In 2019, he joined the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), where he developed the Tourism Services Department and led FIA’s advocacy at the United Nations and other international organizations.

In 2024, he was promoted to FIA’s Chief Development Officer to drive global growth through institutional partnerships, market development and international representation. He negotiated partnerships and agreements with international organizations and governments, while supporting FIA’s expansion in China and across Asia.

“It is an honor to be appointed IRU Secretary General. I am delighted to work again with IRU members across the globe,” said Habib Turki.

“IRU’s rich history speaks for itself: from reviving war-torn trade links in post-war Europe with the TIR system and advancing road safety globally to leading the pragmatic, sustainable decarbonization of our industry. I am excited to lead the organization into its next chapter.”

Habib Turki will officially take over as IRU Secretary General on 1 August 2026.