Published on 4th December 2025
Sonja van Lieshout is stepping down as President of the World Employment Confederation-Europe and member of its Executive Committee, as she transitions into a new role at Randstad, effective January 1, 2026.
Over her 17-year career in public affairs within her organisation, Sonja has played a pivotal role in shaping WEC and WEC-Europe activities, contributing at the highest levels of governance. The WEC-Europe community extends its sincere gratitude to Sonja for her outstanding engagement and unwavering dedication to both confederations. Her leadership and commitment have significantly strengthened the organisation and its mission, leaving a lasting impact on our industry.
To ensure continuity both externally and internally throughout this process, the WEC-Europe Executive Committee proposed appointing the current Vice-President Antonio Bonardo (Gi Group Holding) as President. This decision was endorsed by the WEC-Europe Governing Body on December 4, 2025 and he will assume this mandate as of January 1, 2026.
Additionally, the Governing Body has elected Even Hagelien (NHO SH, Norway) as Vice President of WEC-Europe. This appointment fills the vacancy left in October 2025 when Kate Shoesmith (REC, United Kingdom) departed her organisation.
As a consequence of Even’s candidacy for the Vice-Presidency role, a seat at the Executive Committee became vacant. Geraldine King (ERF, Ireland) applied and was endorsed by the WEC-Europe Governing Body as an Executive Committee member.
Antonio Bonardo, Even Hagelien, and Geraldine King are long-standing, actively engaged members of WEC and WEC-Europe, each having served in various capacities within several decision-making bodies of both confederations.
President (interim)
Vice-President (NHO SH)
Executive Committee Member (ERF)
