
Edoardo De Paola
Secretary General
Leads the Brussels-based secretariat of the European leather industry's umbrella organisation, coordinating its national tanners' associations and representing the sector before EU institutions and international bodies. Oversees industry's policy positions, EU projects and communications. Drives work on trade, sustainability, social affairs, and innovation, as well as contributing to leather standardisation.

Vita Kobiela
Projects and Communications Manager
Manages COTANCE's EU co-funded projects, including METASKILLS4TCLF, AEQUALIS4TCLF, TCLF SkillBridge, SYMBIOS and SER2026. Responsible for the association's communication and visibility, member relations, and COTANCE's participation in the European Sectoral Social Dialogue for the tanning and leather and the wider TCLF sectors.

Diego Ayut
Advocacy and Regulatory Affairs
Supports COTANCE in monitoring and analysing EU policy and regulatory developments affecting the European leather industry, with a particular focus on sustainability, circularity, chemicals and product-related legislation. Contributes to COTANCE's advocacy activities, stakeholder engagement, working groups, and representation towards EU institutions.

Kilian Meersschaert
Administrative Assistant
Supports the smooth day-to-day functioning of COTANCE’s Brussels secretariat by coordinating office operations, member and project administration, meeting and event logistics, website management and communications assistance. Maintains accurate records and databases, and provides responsive administrative support to the Secretary General, policy/project staff, and members.