ALEXANDRIA Va., Feb. 11, 2020 -- The Responsible Business Alliance (RBA) today announced it has expanded its presence in Europe by opening an office in Brussels, Belgium and hiring a European Director to represent the RBA and its membership. The new office will support the RBA’s longstanding efforts in Europe related to responsible business conduct, responsible minerals sourcing, public procurement, environmental and other issues.
As companies face the upcoming European Union (EU) conflict minerals regulation, a multitude of legislative proposals across Europe related to human rights due diligence, and other issues, the RBA understands the importance of representing the global supply chain perspective and helping member companies live into rising expectations.
The RBA has a long history of working closely with Europe-based organizations, including leading work that supports the European Commission’s policy objectives under the conflict minerals regulation, and working with industry organizations, civil society, and labor rights groups. While the RBA has had staff in Europe for a number of years, the permanent presence in Brussels represents a stronger commitment to continuous engagement. The RBA will engage industry, stakeholders and policymakers to educate them on the work and impact of the RBA, industry best practices, and the need for harmonization of policies across EU member states.
“The RBA has made a strategic decision to invest greater time and resources in Europe to meet the growing demands faced by our members,” said Rob Lederer, Executive Director of the Responsible Business Alliance. “We are very pleased to have Bart Devos join the RBA as its European Director and are confident he will help expand the vision and mission of the organization.”
Prior to joining the RBA as its European Director, Bart Devos worked for Samsung Electronics as European Manager for Sustainability. Earlier, Bart held roles in public and nonprofit sectors, including as an advisor at the French National Assembly, and advisor on strategy development and stakeholder engagement to several international organizations. He holds a master’s degree in Law from Brussels Free University and a master’s degree in Conflict and Development from Ghent University. Bart speaks English, French, Dutch, Italian and Spanish.
Learn more about the RBA, its efforts in Europe, and key challenges and opportunities for companies by attending the RBA’s European Conference, April 15-16, in Brussels, Belgium. This is a free event but space is limited so advance registration is required. View the agenda and register here.
If you would like to meet with the RBA in Europe, please contact Bart Devos, European Director, at bdevos@responsiblebusiness.org or +32 489 44 33 08.
About the Responsible Business Alliance
The Responsible Business Alliance (RBA) is a nonprofit coalition of leading companies dedicated to improving social, environmental and ethical conditions in their global supply chains. The RBA has a Code of Conduct and a range of programs, training and assessment tools to support continual improvement. The organization has a global footprint, with offices in North America, Europe and Asia. The RBA and its Responsible Minerals, Labor and Factory Initiatives have nearly 400 members with combined annual revenues of greater than $7.7 trillion, directly employing over 21.5 million people, with products manufactured in more than 120 countries. For more information, visit ResponsibleBusiness.org and follow @RBAllianceOrg.
Media Contact:
Jarrett Bens, Director of Communications
Responsible Business Alliance
Phone: +1 571.858.5721
jbens@responsiblebusiness.org
