Habib Turki takes the helm as IRU secretary general

Mr Turki was elected by the IRU General Assembly in May and now takes charge of the global road transport body at a time of significant geopolitical, technological, and environmental change. “It is a great honour to serve as IRU’s secretary general. Road transport is the backbone of the global economy, connecting people, businesses and communities every day,” he said. “IRU has a unique opportunity to help shape a more connected, resilient and sustainable future for transport. I look forward to working with our members, partners and governments around the world to advance that mission together.” Representing the road transport industry for almost 80 years, IRU works with governments, international organisations and the private sector to facilitate trade, improve mobility and strengthen supply chains. Mr Turki brings almost 20 years of international leadership experience spanning transport, trade, tourism and sustainable development. He previously served as IRU’s regional adviser for the Middle East between 2015 and 2018, where he helped expand the TIR transit system across the region, supporting the ratification of the TIR Convention in Oman, Palestine, Qatar and Saudi Arabia, while leading its implementation in the UAE. He joined the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) in 2019 as director of tourism services before being promoted to chief development officer in 2024. In that role, he oversaw strategic initiatives covering tourism services, institutional development, public affairs and international partnerships. Under Mr Turki’s leadership, the IRU said, it would continue to strengthen its position as the leading global platform for road transport, with priorities including digital transformation, innovation, stronger engagement with members and governments, and partnerships that support sustainable trade and international connectivity.