A New Chapter for GAN Global: Welcoming New Leadership

On 27 May 2025, GAN Global held its annual General Council meeting at Nestlé’s Headquarters in Vevey, Switzerland, marking an important moment of both reflection and renewal. The meeting convened GAN members, networks, and partners to reaffirm their collective commitment to expanding quality apprenticeships and work-based learning opportunities worldwide.

This year’s meeting was also marked a significant transition in GAN leadership. After six years of dedicated service as Chair, Laurent Freixe, CEO of Nestlé S.A., handed the torch to a new Chair, closing a chapter defined by commitment, vision, and impact. Under Laurent’s leadership, GAN expanded its global reach, strengthened country networks, and deepened its role in promoting quality apprenticeships and work-based learning as a pathway to youth employability. 

His passion for the mission and dedication to collaborative partnerships have left a lasting imprint on GAN’s work and the communities it serves. Laurent’s legacy of advocacy, integrity, and global cooperation will continue to inspire the network moving forward. The General Council unanimously confirmed a new leadership team to guide GAN into its next phase:

• Chair: Michael Kienle, Global VP of Talent Acquisition, L’Oréal
• Vice-Chair: Irene Mark-Eisenring, Chief Human Resources Officer, Bühler Group
• Treasurer: Marc van der Net, Gallia Strategy and Consulting Lead, Accenture
• Secretary: Roberto Suárez Santos, Secretary-General, International Organisation of Employers (IOE)

Together, the new leadership brings renewed energy and strategic vision to GAN Global’s mission. As GAN embarks on this new chapter, its mission remains clear: to empower businesses worldwide with the skills needed through advancing quality apprenticeships and work-based learning. We look forward to building on past successes and forging new inclusive pathways.

To learn more about our work, explore our newly launched 2024–2025 Annual Report.