People: IRSG appoints new executives

Singapore – The International Rubber Study Group (IRSG) has elected Enrico Lucchese of Versalis as the chairperson of the group’s industry advisory panel (IAP) for the period 2019-2021.

Additionally, Kenji Kurata of Japan Automobile Tyre Manufacturers Association – JATMA – has been elected vice chairperson, IRSG said in a 4 Dec release.

The IAP consists of 30 industry representatives and provides views and recommendations to be implemented in the IRSG’s secretariat work programme.

The panel is considered as an “an important channel of communication” with input from all sides of the rubber sector, including industry, commerce, academy, research and technology.

Lucchese is the marketing manager for tire, styrenics modification, & latex within the Elastomers Business Unit at Versalis Spa, petrochemical branch of Italy's Eni group.

In his 30 years career, Lucchese has been involved in both technical services and product management processes.

Lucchese is also a member of the executive committee of the International Institute of Synthetic Rubber Producers (IISRP) and vice chairman of the EMEA statistical section of IISRP. In the year 2017-18 Lucchese has held the position of president international of IISRP.

Kurata is executive director of the JATMA. He has extensive government experience having worked for many years in the ministry of economy, trade and industry (METI).

Kurata has previously held the position of deputy director-general for planning and management at National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST). He has also served as the president of New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO).