“His professionalism will be essential to uphold what matters most in competition enforcement: objectivity, independence and equal treatment for all companies operating in Europe,” Ribera said on Bluesky.
Whelan succeeds Linsey McCallum, who has led the department on an acting basis since the departure of Frenchman Olivier Guersent last summer. Ribera expressed “sincere appreciation” for McCallum’s leadership, noting her role in ensuring continuity in the Commission’s work.
In her post, Ribera framed the department’s future mandate through a philosophical lens, calling for enforcement grounded in fairness and the protection of the vulnerable.
“In these uncertain times, our responsibility is more important than ever: to enforce rules firmly, to remain free from any distorting pressures, to act with integrity,” Ribera wrote.
Whelan advised von der Leyen on digital policy from 2019 through to last September, when he moved to DG COMP to as a deputy director-general responsible for state aid.