BRUSSELS, BELGIUM – August 26, 2025 – In a landmark appointment that reflects methanol’s growing role in the global energy transition, the Methanol Institute (MI)—the leading voice of the worldwide methanol industry—has named Felicia Mester as its new Managing Director for Europe & IMO Affairs. Based in Brussels, Mester will take the helm of MI’s European operations and represent the industry’s interests at the International Maritime Organization (IMO), strengthening the Institute’s influence during a decisive period for alternative fuels and maritime decarbonization.
A Dynamic Leader with Proven Energy Sector Expertise
Felicia Mester is widely regarded as a forward-thinking, results-driven leader with deep expertise in energy policy, industrial decarbonization, and strategic advocacy. Her impressive career spans both corporate and association leadership roles across the clean fuels spectrum.
Prior to joining MI, she served as Head of EU Affairs at OCI, a global methanol and ammonia powerhouse. She also played key roles at Hydrogen Europe, where she spearheaded public affairs and policy campaigns, and at Eurogas, focusing on wholesale energy markets and carbon reduction frameworks. This diverse background uniquely positions Mester to navigate both the political and commercial landscapes of the clean energy transition.
Strategic Timing Amid the Surge in Methanol Momentum
Felicia’s appointment comes at a pivotal moment for the methanol sector, as governments, regulators, and industries intensify efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions. In particular, methanol is rapidly gaining traction as a clean, scalable marine fuel capable of meeting the shipping industry’s urgent need for carbon reduction under both EU regulations and the IMO’s revised GHG strategy.
“We are delighted to welcome Felicia to the Methanol Institute at a time of great momentum for our industry,” said Alexander Döll, CEO of the Methanol Institute. “Her deep understanding of EU policymaking, her strategic mindset, and her experience across the clean fuels landscape will be invaluable as we work to scale up methanol’s role in Europe’s energy transition. Felicia brings the right combination of expertise and leadership to help elevate methanol’s voice in Brussels and beyond.”
Elevating Methanol’s Role in Global Clean Energy Discussions
In her new role, Mester will work closely with EU institutions, IMO representatives, MI member companies, and international partners to advocate for methanol as a critical tool in decarbonizing hard-to-abate sectors like maritime transport and heavy industry. Her efforts will help reinforce methanol’s position not just as a transitional fuel, but as a long-term solution for climate resilience and energy security.
“I’m thrilled to join the Methanol Institute at such a transformative moment in the global energy transition,” said Felicia Mester. “As the world accelerates its push toward low-carbon solutions, methanol stands out as a versatile and scalable fuel, particularly for hard-to-abate sectors like transport and shipping. I’m excited to work with MI’s dedicated team and its visionary members to elevate methanol’s role across Europe and help shape its growing influence on the international stage.”
A Vision for Collaboration and Policy Leadership
With Mester at the helm in Europe, MI is poised to deepen its engagement with EU climate and energy strategies—including the European Green Deal, Fit for 55, and FuelEU Maritime—as well as contribute to shaping the IMO’s global climate agenda. Her leadership will also strengthen MI’s role as a collaborative bridge between industry and policymakers, driving forward the shared vision of a low-carbon future.
Methanol: A Game-Changer for the Maritime Industry
Methanol is rapidly gaining recognition as a clean, versatile, and scalable marine fuel that aligns perfectly with global decarbonization goals. Unlike traditional fossil fuels, methanol can be produced from renewable sources, offering a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and harmful pollutants such as sulfur oxides (SOx), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter.
Methanol liquid state at ambient temperature allows for easier storage and bunkering compared to gases like LNG or hydrogen, making it an attractive choice for shipowners seeking practical solutions to comply with tightening regulations from the IMO and the European Union. With growing investments in methanol-powered vessels and bunkering infrastructure, methanol is poised to play a central role in the maritime sector’s transition to sustainable energy.
About the Methanol Institute (MI)
Founded as the global trade association for the methanol industry, the Methanol Institute (MI) represents more than 100 members worldwide—including leading producers, distributors, shipping companies, and technology innovators. With a presence in Washington D.C., Brussels, Delhi, Singapore, and Beijing, MI serves as the authoritative voice of methanol, promoting its use as a safe, efficient, and clean fuel for the energy and transport sectors.
Source Methanol Institute