IFE announces appointment of new Chief Executive

by Breaking NewsFeatured NewsFire EngineeringPeoplePeople

The Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) has announced the appointment of Paul Adams as its new Chief Executive.

Paul Adams is a senior leader with more than 30 years’ experience leading chartered institutes, professional bodies, and industry organisations. In his most recent role as Chief Executive of the Institute of Learning, he strengthened governance arrangements, rebuilt organisational confidence, and embedded a culture of continuing professional development.

His career to date has included senior leadership roles at the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, the Institute of Directors, and the Civil Mediation Council, providing him with extensive strategic experience and a long-standing record of organisational leadership across the professional and membership sector.

Paul Stollard, Chair of the IFE Board of Trustee Directors, said: “We are delighted to welcome Paul as our new CEO. With a wealth of experience leading membership organisations and global professional bodies, Paul brings a deep understanding of how to support, represent and add value for members in an increasingly complex world.

“Paul’s proven leadership, strategic insight and commitment to member engagement will be invaluable as we look to the future and continue to strengthen the IFE’s impact for members and the fire safety sector.”

IFE Chief Executive comments on appointment

Commenting on his appointment, Paul Adams added: “The IFE plays a uniquely important role in advancing professional standards and public confidence in a field where the consequences of failure are profound. I am honoured to be joining at such a pivotal time for fire safety globally.

“During my military service, I saw first-hand the devastating impact fire can have on people, families and communities. That experience has stayed with me, and it underpins my commitment to the IFE’s mission.

“My focus will be on strengthening the institution’s impact by supporting and amplifying the expertise of our members, ensuring the IFE continues to lead in setting standards, shaping policy and influencing the global fire safety agenda. Together, we will build on the IFE’s strong heritage to enable fire professionals to shape a safer world.

“I would also like to thank Steve Hamm for his leadership in moving the organisation forward and for the strong platform he has created for the next phase of the IFE’s development.”

The appointment reflects the IFE’s continued commitment to advancing fire safety standards and supporting professional development across the sector. Paul Adams will join the organisation on 18 May. Outgoing Chief Executive Steve Hamm will transition into a part-time Strategic Advisor role to support continuity and ensure a smooth leadership transition.

NFPA names Ross Ashley as new president and CEO

by Associations and OrganisationsBreaking NewsPeople

NFPA board confirms executive transition

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Board of Directors has appointed Ross Ashley as the organisation’s next president and chief executive officer following a unanimous vote.

Ashley will formally assume the leadership position on 1 July.

The appointment follows the retirement of Jim Pauley who has served as president and CEO since 2014.

David R. Paulison, chair of the NFPA Board, said: “For 130 years NFPA standards, research, public education and training have been the foundation of fire, life and electrical safety.

“Ross has the determination and skills to continue the growth of NFPA to further advance its critical mission.”

Professional background and strategic objectives for NFPA

The incoming executive brings three decades of experience in public safety, intelligence, emergency management and corporate leadership.

Ashley most recently served as Senior Director, Emergency Management at KPMG where he managed preparedness and mitigation programs for state and local clients.

His career includes a tenure as assistant administrator for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) overseeing $10 billion in annual financial assistance.

He also served 20 years in the Air National Guard and Air Force Reserves and was the first Air National Guard member to receive a master’s degree in Strategic Intelligence from the Joint Military Intelligence College.

Ashley said: “I am impressed with the trajectory of NFPA to reach new heights in order to meet the fire and life safety challenges of our times.

“The quest to better protect people and property from fire and other hazards should never be stagnant.

“I’m looking forward to building on the success that Jim and the team have built.”

Transition period and established growth pillars

Pauley will remain with the organisation through the end of July to work alongside his successor during the transition.

The outgoing CEO has held a 35-year affiliation with the body as a member, technical committee participant and standards council chair.

During his ten-year presidency the organisation adopted a strategy focused on becoming more digital, global, connected and diversified.

Pauley said: “I’m proud of our many advancements over the last 12 years.

“Today’s world requires not only change but faster change.

“Our information and knowledge today reaches more people, in more places, in more ways, which translates to greater safety against new and persistent threats.

“Ross Ashley is an excellent choice to continue the momentum at NFPA, and I am sure he will find it as fulfilling as I have.”

Siderise CEO Adam Turk reappointed as Chair of Construction Products Association

by Associations and OrganisationsConstructionFeatured NewsPeopleSafety

Adam Turk of Siderise to lead trade body for third year

Adam Turk, the CEO of Siderise, will remain as Chair of the Construction Products Association (CPA) for a third consecutive year to assist the sector during a period of intense regulatory transition.

The CPA confirmed the reappointment during its Spring Lunch on 23rd April.

As the primary organisation for UK construction product manufacturers and suppliers, the CPA works with government officials to develop evidence-based policies and safety solutions.

Turk has supported the association for nearly two decades and possesses extensive experience within the construction sector.

His leadership is intended to help the industry adapt to a more robust regulatory regime and a culture focused on integrity.

The CPA acknowledged his contribution by extending his tenure beyond the standard two-year limit.

Siderise CEO addresses regulatory reform and market challenges

Turk described the current environment as a triple challenge involving a difficult UK market, global uncertainty and a major reform agenda.

He commented on his reappointment: “As the umbrella organisation for the construction products sector, the CPA is highly respected for its contribution.

“It is an honour for me to have been asked to stay as Chair for another year, as the industry faces the triple challenge of a difficult UK market and uncertainty caused by global factors whilst being asked to undertake a significant reform agenda under the Construction Products Regulation and General Safety Requirements proposals.

“I will be doing all I can to ensure a smooth transition through the various obstacles in front of us.”

Peter Caplehorn, Chief Executive of the CPA, added: “We are extremely grateful for Adam’s continuing support of our Association and the work we undertake to support this sector.

“His vast industry experience and considerable energy and enthusiasm are priceless as the challenges facing us seem to grow in complexity and severity.”

The association provides economic, technical and sustainability insights to support its members during these changes.

Valtteri Tervala elected as new chairman of the CTIF youth commission

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Meet the new leader taking over the CTIF youth commission

Valtteri Tervala from Finland has been elected as the new chairman of the CTIF International Youth Leader Commission following a meeting held in Bern, Switzerland.

The organisation confirmed the appointment took place during the third weekend of April 2026.

Seventeen countries and 30 delegates participated in the meeting.

Seventeen of the attendees held voting rights during the proceedings.

Tervala will officially start his position as Chair of the International Youth Leader Commission (CTIF) on 1 September 2026.

Experience and leadership in youth inclusion

Tervala described his professional background as a digitally oriented community developer with a focus on service design.

The new chairman previously served as a member of the commission for eight years between 2010 and 2018.

He noted 15 years of experience working in the field of inclusion with children, young people and adults across various organisations.

Tervala said: “I am a digitally oriented community developer with a passion for dialogue and service design.

“I believe in young people and experimental culture.

“My strengths include dialogue, communication, and interpersonal skills, as well as exceptional organizational and training abilities.

“I believe that with the combination my skills and experience, I am able to lead the commission in firm and determined way.

“I have extensive experience and expertise in leadership and management in producing and developing various services.

“In addition to that, I have diverse experience in project management, leadership in general, participation, and service design.

“I have been working in the field of inclusion with children, young people, and adults in various organizations for over 15 years.

“I have been a member of the CTIF Youth Leader Commission for over 8 years from 2010 to 2018 and I believe that in co-operation with all the commission members we can create a wide variety of opportunities for young people to grow as an active and safety aware members of society.”

A more thorough report from the meeting in Switzerland is expected to be released on the official website soon.

Todd O’Hara named TracPlus CEO in leadership transition

by Aerial FirefightingFeatured NewsPeople

TracPlus leadership change takes effect in May

TracPlus has appointed Todd O’Hara as Chief Executive Officer, with the change taking effect on 1 May 2026.

TracPlus announced the appointment on 17 April 2026 from Auckland, New Zealand.

John O’Hara, Chief Executive Officer since 2024, will become President and will continue to lead strategic partnerships and senior agency relationships.

The company described the move as the conclusion of a six-month leadership transition.

Todd O’Hara has served as Chief Commercial Officer and has been part of the TracPlus executive team since 2020.

The announcement states that he led the company through a period of expansion that included the onboarding of CAL FIRE and the rollout of the FireFlyte solution.

His previous leadership roles included positions at Spidertracks and Airways New Zealand.

He also served earlier with the New Zealand Defence Force.

TracPlus said O’Hara is a pilot and flight instructor rated across helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft and gliders.

TracPlus sets out new executive roles

The company said John O’Hara joined TracPlus as Chairman in 2020 and took on the Chief Executive Officer role in 2024.

As President, he will continue working with Todd O’Hara and the executive team on senior agency engagements and strategic partnerships.

Todd O’Hara said: “Our customers are protecting communities against fires that are getting bigger, faster, and harder to fight every season, and they are being asked to do it with more accountability than ever before.”

“The opportunity in front of us is to keep raising the standard of what the industry can measure, defend, and improve.”

“The team we have is the best in the world at this work, and I am proud to be leading them into what comes next,” he added.

John O’Hara said: “TracPlus has become the system of record the industry depends on.”

“CAL FIRE runs its dispatch, tracking, and billing reconciliation on our platform.”

“Australia and New Zealand’s national fire agencies use it to manage their entire aerial firefighting fleets.”

“That is the foundation we are handing forward, and Todd has been at the centre of building it.”

“This is a natural progression, and the right one.”

“I am looking forward to continuing the work alongside him and the team, focused where I can add the most value for our agency partners,” he added.

Mark Vivian, Chair of the Board, said the Board had full confidence in Todd O’Hara’s leadership as TracPlus moves into its next phase of growth.

Regulator appoints new leaders to Building Advisory Committee

by Featured NewsPeopleSafety

Building Safety Regulator announces BAC leadership changes

The Building Advisory Committee has appointed Dr Barbara Lane as Independent Chair and Dr Hywel Davies OBE as Deputy Chair in a leadership change linked to the Building Safety Regulator.

The Building Safety Regulator (BSR) announced the appointments and said Dr Lane is the first Independent Chair of the Building Advisory Committee (BAC).

Dr Lane is a Fellow of Arup and a chartered senior engineering executive with 30 years’ experience across sectors in the built environment.

She served as an expert witness for the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 from 2017 to 2024.

Dr Davies has served on the BAC since it was created and is Head of Technical Insight at the Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE).

He also chaired the BAC’s predecessor body, the Building Regulations Advisory Committee, from 2020 to 2023.

Committee transition and advisory role

BSR said the appointments mark the start of a transition for the committee as it continues its advisory role alongside the Industry Competence Committee (ICC) and the Statutory Residents’ Panel.

Dr Lane and Dr Davies are liaising with BSR as the leadership transition progresses.

The committee’s strategic direction is being considered as part of work to align it with BSR.

The Statutory Residents’ Panel is recruiting its own Independent Chair.

Comments on the Regulator appointments

Dr Lane said: “Taking on this independent role is part of my ongoing commitment to create a safe and equitable built environment, one that works for everyone.

“I believe that the committee can be a powerful force for good across the sector, building on the harsh lessons learnt from the Grenfell fire.

“My aim is to try and remedy the shortcomings exposed in our building standards to protect and improve the lives of millions throughout the country.”

Dr Davies said: “I am pleased to be appointed Deputy Chair, supporting Dr Lane in her new role.

“The committee has a critical role to play supporting BSR in its work to improve the building safety regime, identify risks to building users, and provide consistent and timely standards and guidance that can meet the complex challenges we face today.”

Charlie Pugsley, Acting Chief Executive Officer of BSR, said: “I would like to take this opportunity to welcome both Dr Lane and Dr Davies to their new roles on the Building Advisory Committee.

“Together they bring a wealth of expertise garnered from successful careers working in the built environment and will make a real difference to the positive impact of BSR, the committee and regimes under the Building Safety Act.

“Their combined knowledge and skills will be invaluable to informing and supporting our mission to ensure safer homes and buildings for all.”

The committee is considering its strategic direction as the leadership transition continues.

Lakeland Fire + Safety promotes Kevin Rae to lead EMEA fire sales

by Featured NewsPeople

Fire leadership change in EMEA

Lakeland Fire + Safety has promoted Kevin Rae to Executive Vice President, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa fire sales, giving him responsibility for its Eagle, Jolly and LHD brands across the region.

Lakeland announced that Rae will lead its fire business across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa in the expanded role.

Rae has more than 20 years of leadership experience in personal protective equipment and fire safety across the UK and EMEA.

Since joining Lakeland in 2022, he has served as Vice President, EMEA Fire and Global M&A Integration.

He also serves as Managing Director of Eagle Technical Products Ltd, a position he has held since 2013.

Scope of the appointment

The company said Rae has been involved in shaping its regional fire strategy and integrating acquisitions into a single operating platform.

His new role gives him direct responsibility for Lakeland’s Eagle, Jolly and LHD brands in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

Jim Jenkins, President and Chief Executive Officer of Lakeland Industries, said: “Kevin has been central to building our Fire platform into what it is today, and he will continue to play a key leadership role in driving growth, strengthening customer relationships, and advancing our position as a premier global fire safety platform.

“He understands the customer, the product, and the operational detail required to execute at a high level.

“Kevin’s leadership continues to strengthen our global Fire platform, enhancing operational integration, elevating safety standards, and positioning the company for long-term, sustainable growth.

“This promotion reflects both his leadership to date and the critical role he will play as we continue to scale our Fire business across EMEA.”

Rae comments on next steps

Rae said: “I am proud of what our team has built across Eagle, Jolly, and LHD, and excited about the opportunity ahead with a strong foundation, a differentiated portfolio, and a clear path to growth.

“I look forward to continuing to work closely with our teams and customers to expand our presence and deliver best-in-class fire protection solutions across the region and to providing updates on EMEA on our upcoming quarterly conference call on April 16.”

The announcement states that Rae is due to provide an update on EMEA during Lakeland’s quarterly conference call on April 16.

The promotion places Lakeland’s three regional fire brands under Rae’s direct leadership across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

The appointment gives Rae regional responsibility for Eagle, Jolly and LHD as Lakeland prepares its April 16 quarterly conference call

Rosenbauer reports record revenue EBIT and order backlog in 2025

by Featured NewsPeopleVehicles

Rosenbauer posts record 2025 results

Rosenbauer International AG reported record revenue, EBIT and order backlog for 2025, with sales rising to €1,429.0 million and order backlog reaching €2,354.6 million.

In a company statement published on 10 April 2026, Rosenbauer said EBIT rose to €84.5 million from €64.9 million in 2024, while earnings before taxes more than doubled to €54.7 million from €26.3 million.

Net profit for the period rose to €54.3 million from €29.8 million.

Cash flow from operating activities increased to €87.1 million from €82.2 million.

The equity ratio rose to 27.8% from 16.6%.

Net debt fell to €244.5 million from €392.5 million.

The net debt to EBITDA ratio fell to less than 2.

The company said vehicle deliveries to customers worldwide increased by around 4%.

Its Vehicles segment generated €1,115.8 million in revenue and accounted for around 78% of total revenue.

Trade working capital remained stable despite the increase in revenue.

Rosenbauer created 110 new jobs in Austria during 2025, bringing its global workforce to 4,922 employees as of 31 December.

Robert Ottel, Chief Executive Officer of Rosenbauer International AG, said: “2025 was a milestone for Rosenbauer.

“We achieved the strongest year in our company’s history, both operationally and financially, and at the same time laid the foundation for sustainable, profitable growth.

“Record sales, the doubling of our pre-tax earnings and the halving of our debt demonstrate our renewed strength.

“Strategically, we are focused on continuity: The Rosenbauer family remains committed to the company, and the new, future-minded anchor investors are strengthening Rosenbauer’s financial base.

“On this basis, we are further developing our business model in line with the three pillars of innovation and technology leadership, operational excellence, and consistent proximity to customers.

“I’m particularly proud of the 110 new jobs we’ve created in Austria.

“They symbolize the trust of our customers, the performance of our team, and our ambition to continue playing a decisive role in shaping the global firefighting industry as a global market leader,”

Financing and regional performance

Rosenbauer said the rise in earnings was linked to efficiency improvement measures, while financing costs fell after the capital increase and subsequent refinancing.

The financial result was €–29.9 million in 2025 compared with €–38.6 million in 2024.

Equity rose to €371.0 million at the end of 2025 from €208.1 million a year earlier.

Rosenbauer said it generates about one third of its revenue in the United States, where it produces for the local market at four of its own locations.

The company said it was affected only indirectly by trade policy restrictions in that region.

It added that temporary market uncertainties had a dampening effect on demand in the Americas region.

Order intake in the Americas region was €466.9 million, down from €529.6 million in the previous year.

Jörg Schuschnig, Chief Financial Officer of Rosenbauer International AG since April 1, 2026, said: “I am impressed by Rosenbauer’s performance over the past year.

“It shows how consistently the company is pursuing its course towards stability and profitability.

“My task is to further expand this financial strength, safeguard the quality of the balance sheet in the long term, and actively drive forward the transformation of our financial division.

“Rosenbauer has huge potential and I look forward to taking the next step in the financial and strategic development of the company together with the team,”

Rosenbauer sets out 2026 outlook

Rosenbauer said it started 2026 with an order backlog equal to around 165% of annual revenue and stated that 92.6% of revenue is generated outside Austria, with 53.5% generated outside Europe.

The company identified the US, India and South America as markets with long-term growth potential.

It said it is continuing to expand its customer service business and global service network.

Expansion at the Luckenwalde and Bad Abbach locations is intended to strengthen customer proximity and support the full vehicle life cycle.

Rosenbauer also said INTERSCHUTZ in Hanover will be a platform for presenting new solutions in e-mobility, forest fire deployment, equipment, vehicle concepts and fire extinguishing technology.

Based on current planning, the Executive Board expects sales of approximately €1.6 billion in 2026 and said the EBIT margin is expected to improve to more than 6%.

Rosenbauer expands global training capacity

Rosenbauer said on 18 March 2026 that it is expanding training capacity across its global network in response to increased demand for vehicle, equipment and service training.

The company said it operates training centres in Leonding, Karlsruhe, Dubai, Singapore and Wyoming.

More than 60 courses are offered in Leonding for service technicians, alongside expert sessions, customer training and internal staff development.

Training is focused on maintenance and servicing of Rosenbauer vehicles and products, as well as electronics, bodywork and assembly for employees and apprentices.

Rosenbauer also said it delivers on-site training at fire departments and provides e-learning programmes for operators.

It added that infrastructure at the Leonding site has been expanded with two indoor vehicle training bays, an additional workshop and new training rooms.

Rosenbauer appoints Jörg Schuschnig as CFO

Rosenbauer International AG said on 1 April 2026 that Jörg Schuschnig has taken up the role of Chief Financial Officer for a three-year term.

He succeeds Chief Executive Officer Robert Ottel, who had been handling the CFO remit on an interim basis.

The company said Schuschnig has international financial experience and previously served as CFO of the Coveris Group since 2022.

He has also held roles as CEO and CFO of BGO Holding GmbH and CFO and COO of Bene GmbH.

Earlier in his career, he spent around nine years with the Mondi Group and held positions at the Mayr-Melnhof Group.

Rosenbauer appoints Barbara Gassner as HR lead

Rosenbauer International AG also said on 1 April 2026 that Barbara Gassner has been appointed Senior Vice President Human Resources.

She is responsible for the Group’s global HR agendas.

The company said Gassner brings international HR experience across industrial organisations.

Her focus includes corporate culture, talent and executive development, and performance management.

Gassner previously served as Head of Group HR at the Max Aicher Group in Bavaria.

She has also held roles at AustroCel Hallein GmbH and INTERSPAR GmbH.

Armstrong Fluid Technology names new CEO

by Featured NewsPeople

Armstrong appoints new chief executive

Armstrong Fluid Technology has appointed Danilo Elez as Chief Executive Officer, with the company saying he will lead its next phase of growth and innovation.

The company announced the appointment and said Elez is joining at a point when the company sees clear differentiation in system-level fluid flow.

It said this expertise links system design with analytics to improve performance across a building’s full lifecycle.

Its solutions support building infrastructure and mission critical applications worldwide.

Armstrong said this work carries a responsibility to optimise energy use and support sustainability and decarbonisation.

Elez brings HVAC and building technology experience

Danilo Elez previously held senior leadership roles at Trane, KONE and Johnson Controls.

The company said he has led global organisations and is known for driving sustainable growth and improving operational performance.

It also said his experience includes combining engineered products with services, digital capabilities and system-level solutions.

Armstrong has operated as a privately held company since its founding in 1934.

The company said this ownership structure supports a long-term perspective based on learning and innovation, community and service.

Elez holds an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.

He also holds undergraduate degrees in Industrial Engineering and Economics from the University of Wisconsin–Madison.

Armstrong said Elez is a Fulbright Scholar with international experience.

Bill Webb recognised for fire service leadership at Washington symposium

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Bill Webb award announcement and symposium details

Bill Webb received the Mason Lankford Fire Service Leadership Award and the Firefighter Cancer Support Network (FCSN) received the Senator Paul S. Sarbanes Fire Service Safety Leadership Award at the 36th Annual National Fire and Emergency Services Symposium in Washington, D.C., on March 19, 2026.

The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF), the Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI) and Motorola Solutions announced the Mason Lankford award recipient, and the NFFF, CFSI, VFIS and UL’s Fire Safety Research Institute confirmed the Sarbanes award recipient.

More than 1,500 leaders in fire and emergency services attended the symposium to network, discuss current challenges and opportunities and honour those recognised by the organisations.

Bill Webb and the Mason Lankford award

Jointly sponsored by CFSI and Motorola Solutions, the Mason Lankford Fire Service Leadership Award recognises public safety leaders for work linked to prevention, mitigation and emergency response.

Bill Webb, Vice Chair of the Board of Directors at the NFFF and former Executive Director of CFSI, spent three decades leading CFSI and advocating for federal support for the fire service and for the health and safety of fire and emergency services personnel.

During his time at CFSI, Webb worked with six presidential administrations and congressional members on joint fire service positions tied to major legislation.

His work contributed to the creation of the Assistance to the Firefighters Grant program, the expansion of the Public Safety Officers’ Benefits program and the establishment of the federal First Responder Network Authority.

Troy Markel, Chair of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation Board of Directors, said: “Bill Webb’s steadfast dedication and passion for the fire and emergency services community exemplifies the impact and leadership of Mason Lankford.

“Bill has made a lasting impact on those who serve, meeting challenges head-on while always keeping the future of fire service programs in mind.

“His commitment extends beyond the profession, as he continues to support the families of our Fire Heroes.

“I’m proud to serve alongside him on the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation Board of Directors.”

Firefighter Cancer Support Network recognised for report

Co-sponsored by CFSI and NFFF with support from VFIS and UL’s Fire Safety Research Institute, the Senator Paul S. Sarbanes Fire Service Safety Leadership Award recognises a public safety organisation for contributions to firefighters’ health and safety.

The Firefighter Cancer Support Network received the award for its report, Doing it Right: Reducing Cancer in the Fire Service.

Developed with fire service leaders and cancer researchers, the programme sets out how to reduce occupational cancer risks faced by firefighters.

It provides steps to limit exposure and support long-term occupational health.

Victor Stagnaro, Chief Executive Officer of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, said: “Our nation’s firefighters put their lives on the line every day to protect our communities.

“FCSN’s ‘Doing It Right’ report gives them the tools to reduce those risks and safeguard their health over the long term.

“With innovative programs like this, we can reduce the invisible threat of cancers, strengthen firefighter safety, and support those who serve through education.

“We are proud to recognize FCSN with this well-deserved award.”

More information about the Mason Lankford Fire Service Leadership Award and the Senator Paul S. Sarbanes Fire Service Safety Leadership Award is available at cfsi.org/awards.