Washington – The Public Affairs Council is pleased to announce that João Sousa has been promoted to managing director of the Council’s European office in Brussels. Sousa will assume responsibility for strategic planning, program development, member development and relations, and office administration. In addition to this new role, Sousa will continue to manage the Council’s International Network and share his expertise with members in Europe and other regions.

Sousa takes the helm from András Baneth, who will become senior advisor for the Council in Europe. In this role, Baneth will expand customized training services, speak on the Council’s behalf at various forums, and work with Sousa on the deployment of new programs and services. He will also be focusing more time on managing his own businesses apart from the Council.

“We’re fortunate to have both João and András representing the Council,” said Public Affairs Council President Doug Pinkham. “Their experience and knowledge will help guide our members through the increasingly complex public affairs challenges companies and associations are facing in Europe.”

The Council’s global public affairs community continues to expand, and Sousa’s breadth of knowledge has been key to this success. He has over 12 years of experience working as a spokesperson, strategic communications adviser and consultant in the private and public sectors in Europe and beyond. Before joining the Council, Sousa worked for the European Union, where he served as a spokesperson and led communications teams operating in Africa (DR Congo) and in Europe (Brussels and the Western Balkans).

About the Public Affairs Council
Both nonpartisan and nonpolitical, the Public Affairs Council is the leading association for public affairs professionals worldwide. The Council’s mission is to advance the field of public affairs and to provide its 700 member companies, associations and other nonprofits with the executive education and expertise they need to succeed while maintaining the highest ethical standards.