On Tuesday 24 February 2026, the Luxembourg Red Cross announced the appointment of Director of the Luxembourg Business Federation (UEL), Marc Wagener, as its new Director General.

In its press release, the humanitarian organisation announced that he will officially take up his duties in the second half of 2026, succeeding Michel Simonis, who has held this position since 2013.

The organisation highlighted that under the leadership of Michel Simonis, the Luxembourg Red Cross experienced significant growth in its activities and a strengthening of its missions to serve the most vulnerable people in Luxembourg and abroad.

Michel Wurth, President of the Luxembourg Red Cross, said: “We sincerely thank Michel Simonis for all the years he has led our organisation and for his unwavering commitment to our mission: Mënschen Hëllefen (Helping People). We welcome the appointment of Marc Wagener, who possesses all the qualities and motivation required to lead the Luxembourg Red Cross. We wish him every success in his new role.”

In a separate press release issued by the UEL on Tuesday 24 February, the federation confirmed that Marc Wagener had informed the Board of Directors of the UEL of his decision to step down from his position in mid-May 2026 to join the Luxembourg Red Cross.

He was appointed Director of the UEL on 17 June 2024, after having worked since 2019, notably as Chief Operating Officer (COO) at the Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce.

Michel Reckinger, President of the UEL, said: “On behalf of the members of the Board of Directors, we warmly thank Marc Wagener for his collaboration during these past two years at the UEL, marked by collegiality and a strong commitment.”

Marc Wagener said: “The UEL is a key institution serving employers’ organisations, businesses, the economy and ultimately the country and its social model. It has been a great honour to handle numerous dossiers at various social dialogue tables and within social security institutions, with optimism and pragmatism, while taking account of economic realities. I sincerely thank the members of the Board of Directors and the UEL Executive Committee, as well as the entire UEL team, for their trust, professionalism and collegial spirit.”

The UEL said that a replacement for Marc Wagener will be arranged in the coming weeks.