Veteran supplier executive Paul Schockmel is the new CEO of European partsmakers association CLEPA.

He joins the Brussels-based lobby group from sensing systems maker IEE of Luxembourg effective Aug. 25.

Schockmel, 52, succeeds Jean-Marc Gales, who left CLEPA in the spring to become CEO of UK-based sports car maker Lotus Group.

During his 20-year automotive career, Schockmel has held several top-level positions in areas such as innovation management and public affairs. He is currently director of strategic marketing, business development and communications at IEE, where he has worked since 2003.

In addition, he founded Luxembourg’s suppliers association, ILEA, in 2002 and has served as a member of the CLEPA board of directors since 2012.

CLEPA President Arnaud de David-Beauregard said in a statement that Schockmel “brings a great combination of strategic, operational and public policy experience” to the organization.

“I am very confident that he will provide strong leadership at the helm of the CLEPA Brussels office,” de David-Beauregard added, “and help us even better serve the needs and promote the interests of our members, as well as the entire European automotive industry.”