Overview Past Director Generals of ESA Roy Gibson Roy Gibson was a Director General of ESRO, and the first Director General of ESA, serving from 1975 until 1980. Erik Quistgaard Erik Quistgaard was the second Director General of ESA, serving from 1980 until 1984. Reimar Lüst Prof. Dr Reimar Lüst was the third Director General of ESA, serving from 1984 until 1990. Jean-Marie Luton Jean-Marie Luton was the fourth Director General of ESA, serving from 1990 until 1997. Antonio Rodotà Antonio Rodotà was the fifth Director General of ESA, serving from 1997 until 2003. He died in Rome on 23 February 2006, aged 70. Last update: 16 July 2009