Brussels, April 1 (IANS): Finmeccanica CEO Mauro Moretti is the new president of the AeroSpace and Defence Industries Association of Europe (ASD), the Italian industrial conglomerate said in a statement.

Moretti, who has been CEO and general manager of Finmeccanica since last May, was appointed to lead the ASD at a meeting of its board of directors and general assembly held in Brussels on Tuesday.

He replaces Safran boss Jean-Paul Herteman, and was chosen to lead the ASD due to his "significant experience within industry and leadership skills shown at international level", according to Finmeccanica.

"I am delighted and honoured to take over from Jean-Paul Herteman who has been key to strengthening ASD's development as a driving force for our sector," Moretti said, commenting on his appointment.

Continuing to ramp up the European Safety Agency's regulations for civil aviation would be among ASD's key priorities under his watch, Moretti said.

ASD counts 27 member associations in 20 countries and represents over 3,000 companies and 80,000 suppliers, many of which are small and medium-sized firms.