Dr George Gillespie OBE Elected as New JBCE President

On 18 June 2026, at the JBCE General Assembly, Dr George Gillespie OBE, Executive Director of HORIBA Ltd, Japan, and Chairman of HORIBA Europe GmbH, was elected as the organisation’s new president.

In this role, Dr Gillespie will represent JBCE at high-level events, including the EU-Japan Business Round Table, and help shape the organisation’s strategy for the next two years.

Dr George Gillespie OBE brings more than 30 years of international experience across the automotive, mobility and energy sectors. Since joining MIRA as CEO in 2009, he has overseen its transformation into HORIBA MIRA following its acquisition by HORIBA Ltd in 2015, while also assuming global leadership responsibilities within the HORIBA Group. Today, he serves as a Director at HORIBA Ltd, Japan.

Commenting on his appointment, Dr Gillespie said:

“The JBCE has long been an important strategic partner for HORIBA as a Japan-based company. We are honoured to take on the presidency and contribute to further strengthening cooperation between Japan and Europe. As a long-standing member, we greatly value the JBCE’s role in fostering economic collaboration and cultural exchange across the region. As a Japanese company, our heritage remains a core element of our identity, and we are committed to supporting strong and sustainable EU–Japan relations.”

Dr Gillespie succeeds Mikihito Saito, Corporate Executive Officer, SEVP, Head of Global Solutions Business Group (in charge of International Business) and CEO (Europe Region) at Fujitsu. JBCE extends its sincere thanks to Saito-san for his outstanding leadership, commitment and collaboration over the past two years.

JBCE looks forward to working with Dr Gillespie as we continues to strengthen EU–Japan business relations and encourage the private sector’s continuous involvement in bolstering this partnership.