The appointment was revealed by Politico on Wednesday morning reporting on the decision of the College of Commissioners.

“That means the German lawyer will stay on at the EU executive after the 2019 European election--and impose himself as a key figure in the Brussels power game regardless of who becomes next Commission president,” Politico journalist Florian Eder wrote.

Selmayr is credited with Juncker’s hierarchical reorganisation of the commission, playing a critical role in Juncker’s time in office as commission president. Selmayr replaces Alexander Italianer, current secretary general, who is expected to retire on 1 March, according to the news publication. Selmayr will be succeeded by Spanish lawyer Clara Martinez Alberola as the first woman in the role.