Habib Turki new Secretary General of the IRU

The General Assembly of the International Road Transport Union (IRU) has officially elected Habib Turki as the new Secretary General. The confirmation took place last week in Geneva after the IRU Presidential Board submitted its proposal. Turki will succeed Umberto de Pretto, who previously held the position.

Experience in trade and transport

Turki brings nearly two decades of experience in trade, development, and transport within international organizations. In his new role, he will focus on promoting safe, efficient, and environmentally friendly road transport. Previously, Turki served as the IRU Regional Advisor for the Middle East from 2015 to 2018. During this time, he successfully expanded the IRU’s presence in the region and advocated for the accession of Oman, Palestine, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia to the TIR system. He was also responsible for the implementation of the TIR system in the United Arab Emirates.

In 2019, Turki joined the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), where he established the Tourism Services Department and led the FIA’s advocacy at the United Nations and other international organizations. In 2024, he was promoted to Chief Development Officer of the FIA to drive global growth through institutional partnerships and market development. In this role, he negotiated partnerships and agreements with international organizations and governments and supported the FIA’s expansion in China and Asia.

Outlook on future work

“It is an honor to be appointed Secretary General of the IRU. I look forward to working again with IRU members worldwide,” stated Habib Turki. He emphasized the significant history of the IRU, which ranges from the revival of war-destroyed trade routes in Europe after the war to the global promotion of road safety. Turki expressed optimism about the upcoming challenges and the sustainable decarbonization of the industry.

Turki will assume his position as Secretary General of the IRU on August 1, 2026.

www.iru.org