New appointments in the Executive Committee ensure continuity in global leadership

Franz-Josef Schürmann (48), a German national, joined The Adecco Group Executive Committee in 2016 as Regional Head of Germany, Austria, Switzerland (DACH). Franz-Josef Schürmann brings 20 years' experience in services and consulting across a broad range of companies, industries and geographies. Between 2010 and 2015, Franz-Josef Schürmann was Country Head of Germany for Infosys Ltd, a global leader in consulting, technology, and outsourcing. Prior to that he held several positions at Accenture, where he started his career in 1996. Throughout his consulting career, he demonstrated his ability to see the world from a customer's perspective and to make digital transformation a real added value for companies. Franz-Josef Schürmann takes on the role of Chief Sales & Innovation Officer as of 1 July 2017. He succeeds Federico Vione, who was appointed Regional Head of North America, UK & Ireland Adecco & Pontoon as of 1 April 2017.

Since taking the role of Regional Head of DACH in 2016, together with the senior management team, Franz-Josef Schürmann has made important changes to the structure within Germany and Switzerland and built a strong leadership team across the DACH region. With these changes now complete, the region has a strong foundation in place to accelerate the deployment of the strategic priorities and drive financial performance.

As of 1 July 2017, the DACH region will become part of the extended Northern Europe region, together with Benelux and Nordics. This will allow our operations to capitalise on the similarities and synergies of the labour markets across the region. Mark De Smedt (56), a Belgian national, has been appointed to lead the extended region.

Mark De Smedt has been Regional Head of Northern Europe, comprising Benelux and Nordics, since 2016 and an Executive Committee member since 2014. He joined The Adecco Group in 2002 as Country Manager of Belgium and has an in-depth knowledge of our Professional and General Staffing businesses. Between 2014 and 2016 Mark De Smedt was Chief Human Resources Officer of The Adecco Group.

Alain Dehaze, CEO of The Adecco Group, commented: “These two appointments ensure continuity in our global leadership and equip the Group strongly to continue delivering on our strategic agenda to Perform, Transform, and Innovate. Since he joined the company, Franz-Josef Schürmann has played a central role in driving The Adecco Group's innovation projects, drawing on his experience and expertise in the technology sector. Mark De Smedt's broad and deep knowledge of our industry are a strong asset to lead the extended Northern Europe. He will build on the leading market positions we have across the region to further strengthen our operational performance.”