The Directors General of Customs representing the WCO’s 185 Members have elected Mr. Ian Saunders from the United States as the new WCO Secretary General for a five-year term as of 1 January 2024.
Saunders’ election was announced during the 41st/142nd Sessions of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Council, the highest decision-making body of the Organization, held at WCO Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium from 22 to 24 June 2023.
Before his election, Saunders was the Deputy Assistant Secretary at the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration
Mr. Saunders, nominated by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, assured the Organization’s Members of his commitment to driving Customs towards a safe, prosperous and inclusive future.
He said, “While respecting the WCO’s rich past, there is a need to innovate and adapt to modern challenges. I intend to lead the Organization by forging strong and enduring public-private partnerships, leveraging technology, promoting inclusivity for effective global Customs cooperation, and ensuring transparency and openness as fundamental principles of good governance.”
Incumbent Secretary General Dr. Kunio Mikuriya, whose term of office expires at the end of December 2023, welcomed Mr. Saunders’ appointment“ and said,“I congratulate the winner on his election and I wish him well when he assumes his duties”.
Dr. Mikuriya added, “The WCO has withstood the test of time and despite changes in global trade and the recent pandemic we have stayed relevant and proactive and have accompanied our Members with clear and precise standards promoting certainty, predictability and security of the global supply chain. However, many challenges remain ahead of us and I am confident that my successor, with the support of the WCO’s membership and the staff of the Secretariat, will rise to the occasion and steer the Organization in the right direction for the next five years.”
Ian Saunders is a proven and principled leader with more than 20 years of Customs experience and 30 years of experience in international relations. As a member of the U.S. Government Senior Executive Service since 2008, Mr. Saunders has a record of addressing complex challenges and elevating organizations to excellence. He has served the public and the international community in diverse and challenging roles focused on various facets of trade such as: Customs, commercial policy, travel, and infrastructure. Collaborative in style, considered in communication and accomplished in delivery, Mr. Saunders has led the implementation of programs, the formulation of policies and the forging of partnerships that have advanced facilitation and security in trade worldwide, the WCO statement added.
The council also elected Mr. Edward Kieswetter, Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service, as the Chairperson of the WCO Council. Furthermore, new regional Vice-Chairs were appointed.
