Meet Camille Barré, Director, Transport and Mobility at ETRMA who talked to us about her public affairs journey, the rise of digital and the EU bubble.
Can you tell us about your background and what your key milestones have been?
I knew I wanted to contribute to the European project in some way. Like many EU affairs professionals, my CV is filled with different internships and traineeships, some paid and some unpaid. Unfortunately, there are still a lot of unpaid internships in Brussels. A norm that really shouldn’t exist today. They gave me my first base into the professional world of EU affairs. They included the EU delegation to UNESCO and OECD in Paris, The European Central Bank in Frankfurt, and the UN specialised agency in Rome.
The first milestone was getting my first-ever contract and job title at the European Biogas Association. As a young professional, signing that first contract allows you to take your first step into the real world of the Brussels Bubble. It was also my first exposure to the world of transport.
A big learning experience was accepting that progress is not linear. Building your career in the bubble is no small feat. We are constantly competing with old and new candidates, which leads to potential times when you are unable to find a suitable job to continue your progress in EU affairs. Nonetheless, the key here is to keep an open mind.
A key milestone was working for the European Automobile Manufacturers Association. Where I first joined as a communication assistant and later took up the role of Environmental Policy officer. While at ACEA, I developed deeper expertise in the transport field, especially in environmental policy, where I led the battery task force. I also had the opportunity to get more into technical files like the EPR, ELV and LCA.
The next milestone was opening the SMMT office in Brussels. SMMT stands for the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, representing the entire automotive industry in the UK. Back in 2019, the Brexit negotiations were in full swing, and SMMT was looking to increase its presence in Brussels.
Within a year, the trade agreement was finalised, and my job was to help SMMT find its new place in Brussels, which involved building new networks of EU affairs, automotive, EU institutions, etc. to ensure SMMT remained influential in a post-Brexit Brussels. Not only was the role interesting to have to build it from the ground up, but it also gave me the freedom I needed to expand my PA skills.
It was also while I was there that I met my Mentor, Jennifer Pheasey. Jennifer was the head of policy at SMMT at the time and my direct manager. In your career, if you are lucky and look for it, you will meet people who will not only mentor you but also elevate you into being the best you can be. That was Jennifer for me. She taught me a lot about the job and myself and that I could achieve more than I thought I could.
Finally, my last key milestone (for now…) was taking my current role as Director of Transport and Mobility at ETRMA. As I took on this job, I felt grateful and acknowledged that every step and detour of my career journey has led me where I am now. I am far more excited to see where this new path will lead me.
Are there any unexpected aspects or surprises you’ve encountered in your role in the Public Affairs space?
How small the EU bubble is and even smaller is the auto bubble. It is also interesting to see how everyone you meet moves around within that same bubble throughout the year. It teaches you that even the most unassuming encounter can be valuable in the long run (maybe when you least expect it!), even if it’s just to connect you to other people and build collaborations to achieve shared goals.
In one word, what do you think will shape 2024 in EU Public Affairs?
Digital.
While the Data Act was published, the key priority for my industry will be working on fair access to in-vehicle data. This is a clear priority we will be working towards in 2024.
What do you hope to see more of in the Brussels Bubble, and what would you like to see less of?
I would like to see more gender and diversity representation in leadership roles and less gatekeeping from certain demographics.
While we have made a lot of progress on both fronts, there is still a long way to go if we want to make the bubble truly inclusive.
You’ve worked in a few different countries. How has your international experience influenced your approach to cultural sensitivity in the workplace? What are your tips on how to apply and improve cultural sensitivity in your work?
Simple, do not expect anyone to a) think like you, b) speak like you or c) act like you. Assuming that you would do something in a certain way and thus others should or will too, will not get you very far.
Growing up, I was very lucky to be surrounded by people from different cultures, and I knew I wanted to be in the same environment professionally. I believe we can learn a lot from people around us who do not come from the same background.
I also learned that no matter what, there will be differences including language, culture and personality. It’s up to you to have an open mind and find ways to work with the people around you. A key thing to remember is always to respect the people you work with.
What advice would you share with young people looking to make an impact in your field?
Understand that progress is not linear and that picking a speciality will help you find your niche. In addition, you should always be ready to learn from the people around you. You meet many professionals when working in PA, and when you are developing these new relationships, always keep an open mind and don’t judge people too fast.
What’s the mission you aspire to achieve at ETRMA? What drives you to lead the charge towards this goal?
At ETRMA, I aim to assist the association in promoting a competitive and innovative European tyre and Rubber Industry while advancing a safe, smart and sustainable society. I do so by representing the European Tyre and Rubber Industry and contributing to national, European, and global policy and decision-making processes. My role is to advocate the industry’s priorities and position by being a trusted and credible partner for decision-makers.
Taking a moment to recognise the achievements of your colleagues, can you give kudos to one of your fellow PA colleagues for a recent accomplishment or contribution that impressed you?
Without hesitation, Connor Allen. I met Connor when I was with SMMT, and Connor was working for Honda at the time. From the very beginning, Connor was an absolute pleasure to work with. His CV speaks for itself, from working for the EP to leading the Honda office in Brussels. But to me, his greatest achievements are always being supportive, professional, and respectful with the people he interacts with. On more than one occasion, he has shown that he is one of the most skilled Public Affairs professionals in Brussels. On top of that, Connor was a true ally in supporting me in finding my place in the automotive world, which is still quite dominated by men. For this reason, it’s important to recognise people like Connor who strive for a more gender-balanced workspace.
From identifying stakeholders and tracking legislation to measuring your results, DeHavilland can help you with all your public affairs needs. Get in touch to find out more.
