The highest governing body of ESO is the General Assembly (GA), consisting of people nominated by the members, which are the national branch organisations of private entrepreneurs. Each member nominates representants in the General Assembly, exercising the right to vote.
The president of ESO is appointed by the GA. The president does not necessarily have to be a member of one of the member organisations, but preferably has a great affinity with the sector and its entrepreneurs.
The GA meets at least once a year in Brussels. The meeting agenda is taken care of by the Secretary General in close cooperation with president, director and board.