Paul Simons has been selected to be the deputy executive director of the International Energy Agency, effective July 8.
“He brings a range of diplomatic and management skills that will be valuable to the agency, especially as we work to deepen relationships with countries beyond the current IEA membership,” said IEA Executive Director Maria van der Hoeven.
In his new role Simons will support the executive director in advancing the global engagement strategy, strengthening cooperation with non-member countries and initiatives with key partner countries. Simons also will have responsibility for coordinating internal operations, including the energy data center, communications, and budget activities.
Since 2011, Simons served as executive secretary of the Inter American Drug Abuse Control Commission. As a US diplomat over the previous 30 years, he held a series of senior positions in international energy and economic affairs, Latin American affairs, and narcotics and law enforcement policy.
Simons served as the US Ambassador to Chile from 2007 to 2010.
