In June 2014, WIL Member Beatrice Covassi was appointed Deputy Head of Unit, Data Value Chain (G.3), European Commission Directorate General for Communications Networks, Content & Technology (DG Connect). The main goal of this Unit is the development of a thriving European data ecosystem by setting out the right framework conditions and building up a data community across the EU, notably through the recently established data value Public-Private Partnership. The Unit is also responsible for R&I on data and language technologies, for EU policy on open data and the implementation of the Public Sector Information Directive. Beatrice has a special responsibility for leading the policy team of the Unit and drive forward the data action plan for Europe under the new Commission.

Prior to her appointment Beatrice Covassi spent four years working at the EU Delegation to the US in Washington as the first EU Digital Economy Counsellor. In this position she lead transatlantic efforts on the digital economy, privacy, cybersecurity and Internet governance.

WIL would like to congratulate Ms. Covassi on this new development in her career and wishes her the best in this next exciting endeavour.