28 Apr 2026
EC appoints new director for its Research Executive Agency
On 28 April 2028, the European Commission has announced that Stephen Collins has been appointed as Director for the European Research Executive Agency (REA) in Brussels. REA. The date of effect will be determined later.
With over 35 years of professional experience, Mr Collins has built a strong track record in delivering complex operational change in demanding environments. His background spans programme, financial and human resources management, complemented by service on the boards of three executive agencies. He has led major corporate modernisation initiatives, including the rollout of digital collaboration tools, the integration of artificial intelligence and the introduction of flexible working methods and office layouts. Mr Collins also brings extensive management experience, having led large teams and corporate networks responsible for key initiatives. This combination of leadership, operational delivery and digital transformation equips him well to guide the European Research Executive Agency in support of the Union's research and innovation objectives.
Stephen Collins, a British national, is currently Head of Unit for Corporate Organisational Change in the Directorate-General for Human Resources and Security. He previously served as acting Director for Organisational Design and Development in the same Directorate-General. Prior to this, he was Head of Unit for Organisational Development Projects and Knowledge Management within DG HR, where he also held the positions of Head of Unit for Learning and Development and for Career and Performance Management. Earlier in his career, he served as Head of Unit for Financial Information, Training and Helpdesk in the Directorate-General for Budget (DG BUDG). Before joining the European Commission in 1994, he worked in government and in the private sector.
For more information also on other EC management-level appointments announced on 28 April 2026: