The World Employment Confederation announced that Denis Pennel has left the organisation as of 8 November 2024 following a joint decision.

Denis Pennel has been an integral part of the World Employment Confederation for 20 years, acting as the confederation’s first managing director and leading the organisation through significant milestones and achievements.

Under his leadership, the WEC has built up its membership base to 50 national federations as well as various companies in the recruitment and employment industry. National federation members are national associations representative of the employment industry in their respective countries. The WEC also established key strategic partnerships such as with the International Labour Organisation, the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development), the European Union Institutions and the International Organisation of Employers, developed commercial partnerships with well-known companies in the workforce solutions ecosystem and executed key policy campaigns that have established the Industry’s role and contribution to well-functioning labour markets.

Pennel said in a press release, “It has been an honour to serve as managing director of the World Employment Confederation.”

“I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together and am confident that the confederation will continue to thrive under new leadership,” Pennel said. “After a successful 20-year tenure, it is time for me to hand over the baton to a new leader and move to another professional challenge. I take the opportunity to thank the head office team of the World Employment Confederation for the engagement and passion they have demonstrated under my leadership.”

Executive Director of Global Research for SIA, John Nurthen, commented “Denis has been a key influencer as the global staffing industry has matured over two transformational decades and instrumental in the development of the good relationship SIA has built with the WEC over that time. I’ve very much enjoyed our partnership and wish him all the best for the future.”

The board of directors will begin a search for a new executive director immediately. In the interim, Sonja van Lieshout, President of World Employment Confederation-Europe, will oversee the confederation’s operations.

“We are grateful for Denis’ dedication and contribution to the World Employment Confederation,” said Bettina Schaller, President of the Board. “His professionalism and executive mindset have positioned us for continued success, and we wish him all the best in his future endeavours.”

The World Employment Confederation serves as the voice of the HR services industry at the global level, representing both national federations and workforce solutions companies worldwide.