Sabrina Canese, President of Assofermet Ferramenta, joins the new Board of EDRA–GHIN (European DIY Retail Association / Global Home Improvement Network), the world’s leading network for the DIY, home improvement, and hardware sector.

Sabrina Canese’s appointment to the Board represents a prestigious milestone for the Italian hardware industry and a recognition of the expertise, strategic vision, and commitment with which she has contributed to the development of the supply chain for years.

This appointment rewards the growth path of the sector and confirms the ability of Made in Italy to bring innovation and quality to international contexts. Sabrina Canese will represent the industry’s needs with authority, enhancing the role of Italian companies in a constantly evolving global market.

“I am truly honored by this significant recognition,” stated Sabrina Canese. “I would like to thank the voting members for their trust, which I will uphold with dedication and integrity. Over the past six years, we have participated in all of EDRA’s major events and closely monitored proposed European regulations on issues of great importance to our market. I will strive to best represent the needs and specific characteristics of our market from a European perspective.”

Furthermore, this year saw the election of Francesca Ferrari to the National Council of Young Entrepreneurs of Confcommercio – a choice driven by her entrepreneurial qualities and recognition of her consistent professional path. With this election, Assofermet and Italy strengthen their presence at international forums that guide strategies, standards, and trends in the DIY sector, promoting ever-closer collaboration between industry, distribution, and European Associations.

ERWIN VAN OSTA APPOINTED AS NEW PRESIDENT

During the Annual General Assembly held in Oslo, Norway, the European DIY Retail Association (EDRA) unanimously elected Erwin Van Osta as its new President.

Van Osta, already a prominent figure in the sector as the owner and CEO of the Belgian chain Hubo (over 160 stores) and President of Bricoalliance, succeeds Thierry Garnier, Group CEO of Kingfisher. Garnier, who led the association for the past three years, will remain a member of the Board of Directors.

“It is an honor to be elected President,” stated Van Osta. “Under Thierry’s leadership, EDRA/GHIN has become one of the most representative voices of the DIY industry globally. With 233 members worldwide, we have the necessary scale to turn collaboration into real impact, sharing information and accelerating the sector’s transformation.”

THE NEW BOARD

• Erwin Van Osta (Hubo, Belgium)
• Alejandro Arze (Sodimac, South America)
• Sabrina Canese (Assofermet, Italy)
• Joost de Beijer (Intergamma, Benelux)
• Werner de Jager (Cashbuild, South Africa)
• Thierry Garnier (Kingfisher, Europe)
• Sebastian Gundel (OBI, Europe)
• Susanne Jäger (Hornbach, Europe)
• Sami Kiiski (Kesko, Europe)
• Pascal Malfoy (Adeo, Global)
• Michael Schneider (Bunnings, Australia & New Zealand)
• Hiromasa Tsuchiya (CAINZ, Japan)
• David Wood (Wickes, UK)