“The ICT industry is at a critical turning point, said Dr Erkki Ormala, DIGITALEUROPE President. Our association has an important role to play in helping the ICT sector flourish in Europe. John Higgins in his role as ambassador for our sector will help us realise our commitment to deliver jobs, growth and prosperity in Europe in such critical economic times”.
John Higgins joins DIGITALEUROPE from Intellect, the trade association for the technology sector in the UK, with a reputation for excellence and delivering value to industry, government and society. John Higgins has served on the Board of DIGITALEUROPE for several years. Intellect was one of the founding members of DIGITALEUROPE and has been instrumental in the association’s growth and success over the past ten years.
John Higgins has worked in the IT industry since 1975, after graduating with an honours degree in Mathematics from University of East Anglia. He also holds a Diploma in Accounting and Finance from the Chartered Association of Certified Accountants. John Higgins is Chair of WITSA’s (World Information Technology Services Association) policy action committee. In 2005 he was awarded Commander of the British Empire (CBE) in the Queen’s Birthday honours list.
Following the resignation of Bridget Cosgrave from DIGITALEUROPE at the end of August to launch a new venture dedicated to broadband opportunities, Markus Fritz Vice President of DIGITALEUROPE stepped into the role of interim Director-General. John Higgins will commence a permanent mandate as the new Director-General of DIGITALEUROPE in November 2011.
“We have some outstanding assets in DIGITALEUROPE,” said John Higgins. “Our industry creates jobs, enriches the lives of citizens and consumers, enables business in Europe to be globally competitive, and drives public services to be more effective and efficient,” he said.
John Higgins outlined that DIGITALEUROPE will continue to work closely with member companies and member trade associations adding that, “We will also continue to enhance our strategic alliance partnerships to ensure that we remain a trusted industry partner of the European Institutions and key political stakeholders in their deliberations on matters relating to the digital economy in Europe.”
