EGEA Elects New Presidium Following 2026 General Assembly
Following the EGEA General Assembly held in Switzerland on 14-15 October 2026, the newly elected EGEA Board of Directors convened on 10 November 2026 to appoint the Association’s Presidium for the new mandate.
EGEA is pleased to announce the election of the following officers:
- Julian Woods (GEA, United Kingdom) – President
- Rafał Sosnowski (STM, Poland) – Vice President
- Jaume Berenguer (AFIBA, Spain) – Vice President
- Thierry Coton (GIEG, France) – Treasurer
The new Presidium combines extensive industry expertise with strong geographical representation across Europe. Together, they will guide EGEA’s activities and strategic priorities, ensuring the Association continues to support the garage equipment sector and advocate for the interests of workshops, equipment manufacturers, and aftermarket stakeholders throughout Europe.
Meet EGEA’s New President: Julian Woods
EGEA’s newly elected President, Julian Woods, brings more than four decades of experience in the garage equipment industry.
Beginning his career as an electronics engineer working on engine testing equipment, Julian combined technical expertise with a passion for automotive technology. Over the years, he progressed through technical service and engineering roles before moving into senior management positions, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the industry across product development, technical support, quality management, safety, and business leadership.
Julian’s involvement with the UK Garage Equipment Association (GEA) dates back to the early 1990s. He was elected GEA President in 2016 and has served as the Association’s Chief Executive Officer since 2019. Throughout his career, he has built a strong reputation for promoting quality, professionalism, and high industry standards.
As President of EGEA, Julian’s priorities include supporting the continuous improvement of product and service quality, promoting safe working environments, and helping members maintain the highest standards of quality, service, and safety across the sector.
EGEA Board of Directors 2026-2028
The full composition of the EGEA Board is as follows:
| Name | Position | Association |
|---|---|---|
| Julian Woods | President | Garage Equipment Association (GEA), United Kingdom |
| Rafał Sosnowski | Vice President | STM Stowarzyszenie Techniki Motoryzacyjnej, Poland |
| Jaume Berenguer | Vice President | Asociación AFIBA, Spain |
| Thierry Coton | Treasurer | GIEG/FIEV, France |
| Patrick Andriessen | Board Member | RAI Vereniging, Netherlands |
| Frank Beaujean | Board Member | ASA-Verband e.V., Germany |
| Federica Ventura | Board Member | AICA – Associazione Italiana Costruttori Autoattrezzature, Italy |
Looking Ahead
The newly elected Board and Presidium will continue to strengthen cooperation among EGEA members, support innovation and competitiveness in the garage equipment sector, and address the opportunities and challenges facing the automotive aftermarket and repair industry in the years ahead.
EGEA warmly congratulates Julian Woods, Rafał Sosnowski, Jaume Berenguer, and Thierry Coton on their appointments and looks forward to working with them in advancing the Association’s mission across Europe.
