Sven Gerzer as vice president of economic development/European sector.
He will succeed Justin Hunt, who retires at the end of June after 18
years of service with the chamber.
Most recently, Gerzer has held the post of director of the State of
West Virginia's European office in Munich, Germany. He has worked in
economic development for West Virginia for nearly 10 years and managed
the office for seven years. He also currently serves as vice president
of the Council of American States in Europe, representing the
interests of all American states in Europe with national, regional and
local governments as well as industry associations.
"We are pleased to have found someone with Sven's background to fill
this very important role on our economic development team," said Bob
Morgan, president of the Charlotte Chamber. "Sven brings a dynamic
personality and a knowledge base to our team that will enable
Charlotte to continue its success in recruiting European companies,"
he added.
Gerzer is a native of Munich and holds a B.A. and an M.A. in
International Studies from the University of South Carolina. He is
bilingual in German and English.
In his role with the chamber, he will be tasked with developing leads
and recruiting in Europe and India as well as attracting U.S. domestic
companies. The chamber has a firm commitment to recruitment in Europe
and Asia with two economic development staff members focused on those
efforts.
Gerzer will begin his employment with the chamber on September 1 and
will work in Germany until he and his wife, Preeti, relocate to
Charlotte in early October.
