A French national with a deep-seated belief in the advantages of a multilateral trading system, has been appointed secretary general of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC).

Guy Sebban, an ardent supporter of the global economy, assumed the leadership of the world business organisation on July 1, 2005. His appointment comes at a time when many of his countrymen are still debating the merits of globalisation.

Sebban was officially appointed at ICC’s recent World Council meeting, which brought together business members from around the world. The World Council met on the occasion of ICC’s Fourth World Chambers Congress in Durban.

In accepting his new position Sebban stressed that he shares all the values of ICC:
“I am deeply convinced that a rules-based, multilateral trading system is really necessary and has to be promoted for a better world.”

Sebban promised to work to advance ICC’s primary goals of promoting multilateral, rules-based trade and entrepreneurship.

Sebban has been closely involved with ICC members for some years, assisting Jean-Rene Fourtou during his chairmanship and vice-chairmanship of ICC. He has had a wide and varied international experience on both the operational and strategic aspects of business, most recently as a senior advisor at Vivendi Universal. Before that, he served as the head of Rhone Poulenc (and then Aventis) Brussels, in charge of relations with EU institutions.