EUROPE – Charlie McCreevy, the European Commission’s Internal Market and Services Commissioner, is to address this year’s IPE Awards in Paris on November 30.

“We are delighted to announce that Commissioner McCreevy has agreed to deliver the keynote address at the IPE Awards 2006,” said Piers Diacre, Publisher of IPE.

“From his instrumental role in the setting up of the National Pensions Reserve Fund as Ireland’s Finance Minister to his current position within the Commission, Mr McCreevy has repeatedly demonstrated his commitment to investment and pensions issues.

“With the industry facing numerous challenges at the moment it will be fascinating to hear how these issues are being addressed at the most senior European level,” Diacre added.

“The IPE Awards have become the event of the year for everyone involved in Europe's pensions industry so it is very gratifying to see Mr McCreevy taking such as keen interest. We very much look forward to hearing his address.”

The Awards – now in their sixth year – will consist of a seminar followed by the awards dinner in the evening.