Alexander Kleinig is the new EESC Director for Communication and Interinstitutional Relations. Mr Kleinig began his career in the European Parliament in 1996 as an administrator for the Employment and Social affairs Committee. In 2005, he joined the European Parliament's DG COMM as project manager for the visitors' centre, launching and managing the Parlamentarium between 2011 and 2018.

''I am impressed by the level of quality of the debates and the professionalism of the Committee's staff. Everywhere I go, I meet colleagues who are committed, proud of their work and enthusiastic. I am also sincerely touched by the friendly welcome that I have received from Directorate D staff. I would like to take this opportunity to thank my predecessor, Ms Eleonora Di Nicolantonio, who has managed the directorate so well in the past.''