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2020-06-17 press release

German Wolfgang Niedziella elected new president of CENELEC

CENELEC, the European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization, and VDE DKE, the German National Electrotechnical Committee, are happy to congratulate Mr Wolfgang Niedziella for his election as the next President-Elect of CENELEC. 

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Press Officer
Wolfgang Niedziella
VDE / Uwe Noelke

In a time rich of challenges and opportunities, this nomination ensures that in the years to come CENELEC will continue to work to ensure a modern, efficient standardization system for the benefit of European business and society.

Mr Niedziella’s mandate as President-Elect is officially due to start on the 1st of January 2021. During this time, he will work side by side with the current CENELEC President, Dany Sturtewagen, and the whole CENELEC team, before the official handover in January 2022. This process is foreseen to ensure continuity in the transition.

Working for several years in a variety of managing positions for VDE, the German Association for Electrical Electronic & Information Technologies, Wolfgang Niedziella has matured an extensive experience in electrotechnical standardization and conformity assessment, at both the European and International level, with a particular focus on digitalisation and cybersecurity. In particular, he has been Head of Digital Safety Centre of Competence at VDE since its establishment in 2019 and Chair of IEC System of Conformity Assessment Schemes for Electrotechnical Equipment and Components (IECEE) since 2016. Before that, he was the Chair of IECEE/CTL (IECEE Committee of Testing Laboratories) from 2010 to 2015.

Mr Niedziella’s expertise makes digitalisation one of the priorities at the core of his mandate, through the development of new standards, but also through the digitisation of standardization processes. Other declared priorities include reaffirming the core principles of standardization, such as the voluntary use and consensus-based development of standards, maintaining the international character of electrotechnical standardization and strengthening the collaboration with the European Commission, for the benefit of the Single Market.

In commenting his election, Mr Niedziella said: “Today, electrical and electronic products represent the largest category of goods traded worldwide. According to UN statistics, they represent about 20% of the value generated in global trade. Most of this trade is relying on European Standards derived from CENELEC Members’ strong commitment and contribution to the international standardization activities of IEC. The advent of one global market for electrical and electronic products shows the immense economic benefits of standards and the fundamental role played by CENELEC”.   

Interview with Wolfgang Niedziella on the election as CENELEC President

2020-06-18 Video

Wolfgang Niedziella, nominated by VDE DKE, was elected new CENELEC President on 18 June 2020. Get to know the new CENELEC President in the video and learn more about the objectives of his presidency.

Watch our video