World Employment Confederation appoints Minna Melleri as Executive Director

At its latest General Assembly meeting, the World Employment Confederation (WEC) appointed Minna Melleri as its new Executive Director, starting on 1 June 2025.

Minna brings 20 years of leadership experience in global and European non-profit organisations and spent the past decade in the Junior Achievement (JA) network which prepares the next generation for the world of work through 7 million annual learning experiences in work readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy across 40 countries in Europe. As Chief of Advocacy and Growth at JA Europe, she has been driving external stakeholder engagement including EU and international policy collaboration, communications and marketing to empower increasing numbers of youth with economic opportunities and building bridges between education, employment and entrepreneurship. Minna has also helped to launch JA activities in new markets and served as CEO of JA Iceland. She was previously Director of Corporate Development at the International Association of Public transport (UITP) where she contributed to global governance, advocacy and strategic initiatives within the leadership team. Her EU public affairs experience includes both in-house and industry association policy and lobbying.

Minna holds a Master in International Relations from Sciences-Po Paris and a Master in European Political and Administrative Studies from the College of Europe in Bruges. She speaks fluent English, French, Finnish, Swedish, Estonian and some Norwegian.

Bettina Schaller, President of the World Employment Confederation said about the appointment: “As the world of work is undergoing profound shifts, I am delighted to initiate the next phase for the World Employment Confederation, the global voice of the HR services industry, by welcoming Minna as Executive Director. Minna brings tremendous attributes to the Confederation, from her innovative thinking and sharp focus on social impact and value creation to her deep knowledge of the global institutional landscape. I am truly excited about this new chapter for our organisation, our Members and Partners, and as a matter of fact the 60 million workers and the millions of businesses that our industry supports every day”.

“I am thrilled to lead World Employment Confederation into its next phase of growth at this crucial moment of labour market transformation that presents unprecedented opportunities for the private employment services industry”, said Minna Melleri upon the appointment. “Together with its members, team and broader ecosystem stakeholders, I look forward to growing the positive impact of World Employment Confederation and contributing to better functioning labour markets globally”, she added.

Sonja van Lieshout, President of the World Employment Confederation-Europe and Managing Director at interim, added: “At this critical juncture for the European labour market, the World Employment Confederation Europe is delighted to welcome Minna Melleri as its new Executive Director. Her proven leadership and deep understanding of the evolving world of work  will be instrumental in navigating the economic headwinds facing businesses and workers across Europe. Under Minna’s leadership, WEC-Europe will further amplify the vital role the employment and recruitment industry plays as a dynamic and indispensable partner, advocating for a balanced regulatory landscape that empowers the employment and recruitment industry to connect talent with opportunity, drive sustainable economic growth, and support individuals in their career journeys across Europe.”

Since the World Employment Confederation and World Employment Confederation-Europe are managed from a single Head Office team based in Brussels, Belgium, Minna Melleri will serve as Executive Director for both organisations.