Axiotiades, who has worked in the starch, food ingredients and ethanol sectors during her career in agribusiness, most recently was director of government and trade relations, Europe, for Johnson Control.

Jaana Kleinschmidt, president of COCERAL, said Axiotiades has an excellent track record of leadership in the agribusiness sector.

“We are confident she will be working with stakeholders to address the challenges faced by grain trade in Europe,” Kleinschmidt said.

Axiotiades said: “I am delighted to be joining COCERAL at a time when innovation is playing such a key role in agribusiness. I look forward to working with COCERAL members, staff and policy community to make trade work and to bring the group forward.”

Teresa Babuscio, who has led COCERAL for almost 10 years, will continue in that role until Feb. 21 when Axiotiades takes over.