Foreign policy and human rights expert Jeffrey Krilla was named president of the Alliance for Bangladesh Worker Safety, the coalition announced Sept. 10.
Acting Department of Homeland Security Secretary (DHS) Rand Beers will be the Acting Secretary of Homeland Security, succeeding Janet Napolitano, who stepped down Sept. 6, DHS said.
New at the Federal Trade Commission: Martin Gaynor, ex-Carnegie Mellon University, as director of the Bureau of Economics; David Robbins rejoins the agency from the Federal Communications Commission, as executive director; Thomas Dahdouh promoted to regional director of the FTC's Western Region offices in San Francisco and Los Angeles.
The Commerce Department’s Undersecretary of the International Trade Administration (ITA) Francisco Sanchez, announced his resignation on Sept. 3, said an ITA spokeswoman. Sanchez, who announced his plans in an email to 2,400 ITA employees, does not plan to step down for several weeks, the spokeswoman said. Sanchez said the U.S. must continue work to strengthen private sector competitiveness and ensure “fair trade” through enforcement of laws and agreements.
The World Trade Organization (WTO) ushered in new Director-General Roberto Azevêdo of Brazil on Sept. 1 as the trade body’s 159 members prepare to convene in December in Bali, the WTO said in a statement (here). The statement focused solely on the significance of the Bali talks, a summit aimed at addressing trade facilitation and development targets stemming from the WTO’s 2001 “Doha Round” (here). “A successful meeting there will provide a much needed shot in the arm for the global economy and the WTO,” said Azevêdo. “I believe that a deal can be struck despite the short time we have between now and Bali.”
The Software Alliance (BSA) named Victoria Espinel as its President beginning on Sept. 3. Espinel, who was in the Obama administration as the first U.S. Intellectual Property Enforcement Coordinator (see 13081316), “brings an extraordinary wealth of expertise on key issues at the intersection of trade policy, market access and IP protection,” said BSA Chairman Pascal Di Fronzo. “She will be a significant asset for the software industry as its chief spokesperson and advocate.” Espinel said that the alliance will continue to be a strong advocate “on issues central to the next phase of the industry’s growth as rapid changes in the digital landscape create new opportunities and policy priorities.”
The Alliance for Bangladesh Worker Safety announced Aug. 20 the election of Ellen Tauscher as the independent Chair. Tauscher, who holds experience in Congress as well as the State Department, will serve a three-year term.
Daniel Kiselbach, a partner in Miller Thomson's Vancouver office, will join Deloitte Tax Law with a focus on trade, customs and tax litigation on Sept 3, he said.
The Washington International Trade Association (WITA) appointed Javiera Gallardo as executive director, said WITA. Gallardo had been acting executive director since March.
General Motors will bring on Nasim Deylami, customs policy director at the U.S. Council of International Business, as a customs attorney, said a GM spokeswoman. Deylami will begin work in GM's Detroit office in mid-September, the spokeswoman said.