Interview with Emerson De Luca
FIAT-IFTA Executive Secretary

Revista Funeraria magazine from Spain interviewed Mr. Emerson De Luca,FIAT-IFTA Executive Secretary about role of FIAT-IFTA in changing landscape of funeral sector, the importance of collaboration and knowledge exchange within the global funeral sector. You can read the interview in Spanish in online version of Revista Funeraria magazine and in English below.

During the recent ICD Meeting and General Assembly held at the FIAT-IFTA 2024 Convention in Krakow (Poland), you were appointed Executive Secretary of the organization for the next years. What does this role mean to you? What responsibilities does it entail?
Being reappointed as the Executive Secretary of FIAT-IFTA is a great honour as well as a significant responsibility. This role allows me to contribute directly to the global development of the funeral profession, fostering collaboration between members, industry stakeholders, and regulatory bodies worldwide.

My primary responsibilities include working with the FIAT-IFTA board to ensure the smooth running of the organization, overseeing the organization’s activities, facilitating communication between members and the committees, working closely with the treasurer and ensuring the finances of the organization are up to date and well under control, coordinating together with National Members international events such as the ICD Annual Meeting which will take place in Yokohama, 2-5 June 2025, and ensuring that FIAT-IFTA remains at the forefront of industry advancements.

How did your professional career in the funeral sector begin? What have been the most important milestones in your journey?
My career in the funeral sector began by chance. I moved to London to do a master’s degree and started working as a part time employee for FA Albins and Sons in London. When I finished my Masters, Barry Albin (RIP) invited me to work full time with the international division of the company, i.e. Albin International. A few years afterwards I was appointed the Managing Director of the company and got involved with FIAT-IFTA as Barry was the UK representative for the organization. After his presidency term at FIAT-IFTA which finished in 2006 Barry stayed with the organization for a few more years and in 2010 stepped down and I was appointment the new FIAT-IFTA representative for the UK. I gradually started getting more involved with the organization and In 2016 I became International Secretary of FIAT-IFTA and in 2021, the newly elected president of FIAT-IFTA, Mr Marek Cichewicz invited to become the Executive Secretary.

Over the years, I have had the privilege of working in various capacities, from repatriation service management to industry advocacy. Some key milestones in my journey include the restructuring of the International Repatriation Department of Albin International. I was honoured and humbled to assist on some major incidents, such as the Air Crash in Madrid Barajas (Spanair flight 5022 – 20th August 2008), looking after all the foreign nationals who died in the incident as well as the Tunisian Terrorist attack in 2015 and the London- London Bridge terrorist attack in 2017.

My involvement with FIAT-IFTA has been particularly meaningful, allowing me to engage in international collaboration and contribute to the evolution of our profession. After my appointment in 2021 as the executive secretary, the organization has made remarkable progress, and I can only thank the FIAT-IFTA board for their support and hard work, our Editor-in-Chief, Katarzyna Supa, whom have been instrumental on the development of the Thanos magazine and the Organizations, media footprint as well as many members who dedicate their time and effort for the good of the organization and the funeral industry.

What has FIAT-IFTA meant to you? Why do you think an organization like this is important in the funeral sector?
FIAT-IFTA has been instrumental in shaping my perspective of the global funeral industry. I have certainly changed my view of the world (and here I mean not only within the Funeral Industry) after I started actively participating as a member of the organization. Travelling to so many different places and having the privilege to know so many people and cultures around the globe has given me the opportunity to grow on a professional as well as personal level.

I truly believe that the organization is a vital platform for knowledge exchange, advocacy, and professional development. In an increasingly interconnected world, FIAT-IFTA plays a crucial role in ensuring that funeral professionals have access to best practices, international regulations, and innovative approaches to funeral service. The creation and strengthening of our working committees, in the areas of intangible funeral culture, education, embalming and coffin standards as well as sustainable development is a testimony of that. By fostering dialogue and cooperation among different cultures and traditions, FIAT-IFTA strengthens the profession and upholds the dignity of funeral services worldwide. Ultimately, the work we do and the objectives we try to achieve will help people in one of the most difficult times in their lives, when they lose a loved one.

In your opinion, how has the funeral sector evolved in recent years? How do you envision the industry in the next decade?
The funeral sector has undergone significant changes in recent years, driven by technological advancements, shifting societal attitudes toward death, and the increasing demand for personalized and eco-friendly funeral services. I should not fail to mention the COVID 19 pandemic, as it left an indelible mark in the industry. Public perception and expectations on funerals are in constant transformation. In many Countries, the way funerals take place have drastically changed post-pandemic, where many people prefer not to have a traditional funeral service any longer, forcing funeral directors to reinvent themselves and the services they offer. Digitalization has transformed the way funeral services are arranged, with online memorials, live-streamed ceremonies, and AI-driven solutions becoming more common. Sustainability has also become a major focus, with the rise of green burials, biodegradable caskets, and reduced carbon footprint practices.

I constantly hear that many funeral directors are concerned with the low attendance in funerals, the increase of unattended cremations etc. That may be true to a certain extent; however bereavement is an experience of love and will continue to be part of people’s lives, The question is: How? How can funeral directors respond to the changes in society and the new ways funerals are perceived?
Therefore, I truly hope the industry to continue embracing innovation while preserving the core values of dignity and respect. We will likely see greater integration of digital services, more regulatory adaptations to address global mobility and repatriation challenges, and an increased emphasis on mental health support for both funeral professionals and bereaved families.

The next edition of the FIAT-IFTA ICD Annual Meeting will take place this coming June in Yokohama (Japan). What are your expectations for this event? Why is it important for professionals in the sector to attend?
The FIAT-IFTA ICD Annual Meeting in Yokohama promises to be a fantastic event, bringing together funeral professionals from around the world to discuss key industry developments, exchange knowledge, and strengthen international networks. This event is particularly significant because it provides a unique opportunity to learn about funeral traditions in Japan, a country with a deep cultural heritage in funeral rituals and of course the opportunity to experience the richness of Japanese culture and hospitality.
Attending the meeting will allow members to stay informed about global trends, regulatory updates, and innovative practices. It also fosters collaboration between different markets within the funeral industry, which is essential in today’s interconnected world. This will be possible due to the Funeral Exhibition which will take place during the conference. I encourage all members to participate and take advantage of this valuable experience.

IATA regularly offers a course on ‘Air Transportation of Human Remains’ for FIAT-IFTA members. What would you highlight about this training?
The transportation of human remains is a complex due to the fragmented nature of laws, procedures and policies and a lack of standardisation and highly regulated process that requires a deep understanding of international laws, customs procedures, and airline policies. The IATA course offered to FIAT-IFTA members provides essential training on these aspects, ensuring that funeral professionals can navigate the logistics of repatriation smoothly and respectfully.
This training is particularly valuable for those funeral homes handling international cases, as it helps prevent delays, ensures compliance with legal requirements, and ultimately provides peace of mind to grieving families. It’s an indispensable resource for funeral directors operating in a globalized world.

A Sustainability Committee was recently created, joining others like the Training Committee. Which other committees within FIAT-IFTA would you highlight? What are their roles?
FIAT-IFTA’s committees play a crucial role in shaping the direction of the organization and addressing the evolving needs of the funeral sector. In addition to the Sustainability and Training Committees, I would highlight the Legislative and Repatriation Committee, which works to ensure clear and standardized regulations for international repatriation, an issue that remains a challenge in many regions.

Another key committee is the Ethics and Standards Committee, which focuses on maintaining high professional and ethical standards across the funeral industry. As cultural and legal differences exist in funeral practices worldwide, this committee helps establish guidelines that promote dignity, respect, and professionalism across all regions.

Would you like to add anything else?
I would like to express my gratitude to FIAT-IFTA members for their trust and support in my role as Executive Secretary. The funeral profession is one of the most meaningful and vital industries, and through organizations like FIAT-IFTA, we can continue to elevate standards, share knowledge, and support one another on a global scale. I encourage all members to stay engaged and make the most of the opportunities available through FIAT-IFTA.

I consider the work with FIAT-IFTA a mission. A mission to advance the funeral profession and ensure that we provide the highest level of service to the families and communities we serve, where families and friends can truly celebrate the love for the ones they lost.