From 1 January 2018, the widely respected and well-established Brussels professional Charles Laroche has joined the NOVE team, where he will put his considerable expertise at the disposal of NOVE clients.

Laroche brings impressive experience in business and public affairs to NOVE. He spent 35 years at Unilever, where he ended his tenure there as Vice President of European External Affairs. Laroche also served on the boards of European industry associations A.I.S.E, CEFIC and Cosmetics Europe. He helped to found the European Partnership on Alternative Approaches (EPAA), launched in 2005, an unprecedented partnership between industry and the European Commission. The European Parliament “think and do tank” Bee was his brainchild. Bee focuses on resource efficiency and sustainable development.

Laroche founded his own consultancy in 2007. In this capacity he has been Senior Advisor Public Affairs for the International Fragrance Association (IFRA) since 2010 and is now leading IFRA Europe.

“Charles will enrich our team immensely,” said Senior Partner Paolo Nicoletti. “He is someone who knows Brussels inside and out. His experience and network are unrivalled.”

Laroche serves on the faculty of HEC Liège, where he gives courses in international lobbying, and has taught at the École Supérieure des Affaires in Namur, a reputed business school. He also serves on the Management Committee of the European Public Affairs Consultancies Association (EPACA).

“At NOVE, I look forward to helping to design public affairs campaigns with a talented group of professionals that I like and respect” said Laroche. “I am excited for this new venture.”