Dr. Nikolaus Kriz will take over EFSA’s top post for a five-year period in September 2025, following a vote by its Management Board. A trained veterinarian and experienced EU official, Kriz has held key roles in both EFSA and the European Medicines Agency.

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has nominated Dr. Nikolaus Kriz, a veterinary scientist and senior official, as its next Executive Director, starting September 2025. The appointment follows a vote by EFSA’s Management Board.

“With his significant leadership experience in regulatory settings and deep scientific expertise, we are confident he will further strengthen EFSA’s role as the EU reference point for independent food safety risk assessment,” said Aivars Bērziņš, Chair of the Management Board.

Kriz, currently Head of EFSA’s Risk Assessment Services (ENABLE) Department, joined the Authority in 2017 after serving at the European Medicines Agency in roles tied to veterinary and public health risk evaluation. His nomination underlines EFSA’s ongoing focus on scientific rigor in evaluating risks to both animal and human health.

“I am honoured and grateful to be nominated to lead EFSA,” Kriz stated. “Together with its exceptional staff and experts, I look forward to guiding the organisation as we continue our vital mission to protect the health of EU citizens, animals, plants and the environment.”

He is expected to address the European Parliament’s Committee on the Environment, Climate and Food Safety (ENVI) on 14 July as the final step in the appointment process.