Posts in category: People

Fire and security specialist Amthal, is continuing on its ambitious growth plan to service more commercial customers, with dedicated appointments to the supply chain team alongside active recruitment for two sales account managers.

Peter Lee has been appointed in ‘Purchasing Supply Chain’ to strengthen the commercial division of the business, enabling a more efficient approach to servicing new and existing customer requirements for fire safety and security.

Amthal is recruiting for two Sales Account Managers, alongside a number of Engineer roles in commissioning, maintenance and installation.  Amthal also has an active Apprentice programme, to encourage job-specific skills and create a more open business environment.

Commenting on the team’s aspirational growth plans, Jamie Allam, CEO Amthal said: “The last year has been undoubtedly challenging as we have steered our way through the pandemic, committed to our role as key workers.  Through it all, we have ensured the ongoing safety of our customers, new and existing, supporting the need to evolve quickly and efficiently to the constantly evolving regulations on commercial premises.

“We have only been able to do this with the commitment of our team, who have embraced our vision, mission and values to ‘protect what’s precious.’  In recognition of such dedication, we have seen clear growth across our business.  We are now delighted to welcome Pete to the family and continue our recruitment process for account managers and engineers to continue to present a full-service fire and security solutions company.”

Amthal is now proactively preparing customers for the imminent arrival of the Fire Safety Bill.  Currently in its final stages prior to Royal ascent, it is described with the Building Safety Bill as ‘the biggest change in building safety for a generation,’ and places increased responsibilities on responsible persons, managing agents and block management companies. 

Jamie adds: “We have seen steady growth in the opportunities with smart and mobile first security, especially the move to integration and enabling entry to the IoT world.  But our recruitment process also recognises the significant growth opportunities in the fire protection market, where we need to ensure our entire team is ready to meet new demands placed on our customers. 

“With the Fire Safety Bill coming into legislation and the demands of the stringent new fire safety regulations, technical advances and product innovations, we have a duty of care to stay abreast of latest solutions, when it comes to design, installation, maintenance and monitoring services.”

To find out more about the career and Apprentice opportunities with Amthal Fire & Security, please visit https://www.amthal.co.uk/careers-at-amthal/

Kentec Electronics, a leading manufacturer of life-critical control systems, has promoted Sammy Steel to the role of Head of UK Sales to further strengthen the company’s UK growth and footprint.

In her new role Sammy will lead, manage, and support the UK BDM sales team to achieve Kentec’s strategic sales plan. She will be working directly with installers, distributors and end-users while strengthening the current UK customer base. A key part of the strategy includes focusing on both of Kentec’s partnering programmes; one for installers and one for distributors.  The Kentec Installer Partner (KIP) programme provides Kentec’s registered customers with a wide-ranging bespoke training and best-in-class technical support, as well as dedicated software and enhanced product functionality; while the Kentec Authorised Distributors (KAD) programme offers customers access to off-the-shelf service, local to them.  

Sammy has 15 years’ experience in the fire industry. Prior to becoming Head of UK Sales, Sammy was a Strategic Partner, focusing on Kentec’s sister company, Hochiki Corporation. She first joined Kentec three years ago.

“I am very pleased to welcome Sammy in her new role,” says Derrick Hall, Director of Sales at Kentec Electronics. “Her dedication to our customers, as well as her wealth of experience and knowledge of Kentec and our values make her the perfect choice for this role.”

Sammy says she is excited to get started: “Initially, my focus will be building successful working relationships with the UK sales team – and ultimately, my goal is for the UK to reach their full potential and for us to help our customers meet the needs of their life safety projects.  I am passionate about this industry and really looking forward to getting back on the road and meeting with our UK customers.”

REV Group, designer and manufacturer of industry-leading specialty vehicle brands, announces Renegade RV® Vice President and General Manager Mike Lanciotti has been appointed President, REV Recreation frzSegment. In his new role, Mike will oversee all the recreation businesses and brands including Fleetwood RV®, Holiday Rambler®, American Coach®, Lance Camper®, Midwest Automotive Designs®, Renegade RV and Goldshield Fiberglass®. He will continue to report to REV Group President and CEO, Rod Rushing.

Mike joined Renegade RV as its Executive Vice President in March 2008 and was named CEO and President four months later. Renegade RV was acquired by REV Group on December 31, 2016 and Mike was named Vice President and General Manager of REV Renegade LLC. During his 13 years with Renegade RV, Mike built the business to be one of the top performing recreation brands within REV Group and solidified Renegade’s position as best in Class in the Super C industry classification and a premier Class C producer in all categories.

“With a successful career spanning over 20 years of consistent business performance, experience implementing quality operational controls for industry-leading profitability and product vision that drove Renegade to the top of its class, Mike is the ideal leader to direct our Recreation segment and develop cross-brand strategies,” said Rod Rushing, President and CEO, REV Group. “I am confident Mike’s operational and commercial expertise will help our businesses meet the recent increased demand while exceeding expectations of consumers who are joining the RV lifestyle.”

Prior to Renegade RV, Mike was President and Chief Operating Officer of Lock Joint Tube. During his nine-year tenure, Mike drove a significant expansion of the mechanical tube producer, from two to four plants with considerable sales and profitability growth in the process. He has also served in leadership roles at Jackson Tube Service and Copperweld Miami Division.

Mike holds an Executive MBA from Baldwin Wallace University and a bachelor’s degree from Thiel College with a focus in Accounting and Mechanical Engineering.

Bristow Group Inc. have announced changes to its executive leadership team structure that will help the company capitalise on evolving market conditions and better position Bristow Group for long-term growth.

“As we continue to make progress on post-merger integration, we are reorganising Bristow’s executive leadership team to enable the transformation of the Company’s business mix through strategic diversification into new markets, while redoubling Bristow’s commitment to remain the market leader in search and rescue and offshore helicopter solutions,” said Chris Bradshaw, President and CEO of Bristow. “These changes will optimize the talents and experience of our existing leadership team members and better align resources with the Company’s long-term strategic priorities, which include a focus on new markets such as renewables, additional government services work, and advanced air mobility.”

Under the revised structure, the following changes will be made to the executive leadership team at Bristow Group:

• David Stepanek will become Executive Vice President, Sales and Chief Transformation Officer (CTO). In his new role, Stepanek will be responsible for all sales, marketing and commercial functions of the business. In addition to activities in Bristow’s existing end markets, his focus will include the transformation of Bristow’s business mix through strategic diversification into new markets.
• Alan Corbett will continue to lead as Senior Vice President, EAMEA and SAR. Reporting directly to the CEO, Corbett will remain responsible for overseeing Bristow’s operations and service delivery in Africa, Australia, Norway, and the U.K., as well as Bristow’s UK Search and Rescue operations.
• Samantha Willenbacher will become Senior Vice President, Americas. In this role, Willenbacher will be responsible for Bristow’s operations and service delivery in Brazil, Guyana, Suriname, Trinidad, and the United States. She will also work with our partner, Cougar Helicopters Inc., in Canada.
• Stuart Stavley will assume an expanded role as Senior Vice President, Global Fleet Management, which will include the addition of Supply Chain Management and Global Standards. In this role, he will be responsible for globally standardized maintenance programs and maintenance execution standards, operational standards, MRO and operational software standards, aircraft specifications and lease agreements, as well as all original equipment manufacturer relationships, global supply chain operations and aircraft acquisitions and sales.
• Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer Jennifer Whalen will receive the added responsibility of overseeing our Information Technology department. She will also remain responsible for accounting, decision support, financial reporting, internal audit, investor relations, strategy and M&A, tax, and other financial functions of the Company.
• There are no changes to the roles performed by Crystal Gordon, Senior Vice President, General Counsel; Mary Wersebe, Senior Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer; and James Stottlemyer, Vice President, Health, Safety and Environment.
• Reporting to Stepanek will be David Martin, who will become Vice President, Commercial and New Markets. In this new role, the Company’s regional business development and sales teams focused on existing Bristow markets will report into Martin, and he will also support Stepanek in the pursuit of strategic diversification into new markets.
• Reporting to Whalen will be Joe Pitzinger as Vice President, Treasurer & Corporate Development.

“As the global leader in vertical flight solutions, Bristow remains steadfast in our commitment to deliver safe, efficient, and reliable service to our valued customers, while also continuing our heritage of progress through continuous improvement and innovation,” added Bradshaw. “We believe these changes are aligned with the evolving global Energy Transition and the transformation initiatives that are being implemented by many of our existing customers.”

With the loss of the National Volunteer Fire Council’s longtime CEO Heather Schafer on March 15, the Executive Committee has appointed Kevin D. Quinn as interim CEO. Quinn has served on the National Volunteer Fire Council Board of Directors since 1983 representing Rhode Island and is past chair and current first vice chair of the organization.

“It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to Heather Schafer, who led the NVFC for 27 years and oversaw a period of great growth and success for the organization,” Quinn said. “As we move forward, we will carry on her legacy and the NVFC’s work to support the volunteer fire, EMS, and rescue services. It is my calling to serve our nation’s boots on the ground, and I am honored to steer the NVFC’s mission and continue our course as we navigate this difficult transition period.”

The National Volunteer Fire Council Executive Committee has also appointed a search and transition team that will conduct a national search for a permanent CEO. An announcement will be made when the position officially opens; stay tuned to the National Volunteer Fire Council web site and Dispatch newsletter for details. The transition team plans to have a new CEO in place before the 20^th anniversary commemoration of the tragic events of September 11, 2001.

Quinn joined the fire service in 1976 and retired as a deputy chief of the Union Fire District in South Kingstown, RI. He is currently an active firefighter with his original Station #3 where he began his fire service journey. He is a past president of the Rhode Island State Firemen’s League, and serves on the boards of the NVFC, National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF), Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition, and National Fire Academy Board of Visitors.

He also serves on the ICC Fire Code Action Committee, is a Rhode Island State Advocate of the NFFF Everyone Goes Home-Courage to Be Safe Program, liaison of the South Kingstown Decontamination Unit, member of the Hope Valley HazMat team, and member of numerous federal, state, and local exercise design management teams. He holds a master’s degree in counseling and educational psychology and a master’s degree in education.

Having been in the tank design manufacturing business for 40 years Balmoral Tanks provides a broad portfolio of storage products for the water, wastewater, anaerobic digestion, fire fighting, aquaculture and processing markets.

The company, a wholly owned subsidiary of Aberdeen-based engineering and manufacturing business, Balmoral Group, has built a reputation for providing not only the highest quality of product but also unrivalled levels of customer service on a global basis.

To further strengthen its market-leading position it has announced two senior appointments – one at each of its manufacturing locations.

Gary Lockwood becomes the new operations director at Balmoral Tanks’ Llantrisant facility in South Wales while Cheong Tsang moves into a similar role in Thurnscoe, South Yorkshire.

Mr Lockwood has enjoyed a career across the defence, aerospace and electronic contract manufacturing sectors where he has held responsibility for engineering, operations, programme management and business development.

He is a time served electrical engineer from the Atomic Weapons Establishment where he achieved an ONC & HNC in electrical electronics before undertaking further qualifications in personnel management, continual improvement and LEAN, more recently completing an APM PMQ.

Mr Lockwood’s career has taken him to multiple locations from Canada and America to South Korea, Spain, Norfolk and Cambridge before returning home to Wales.

He said: “I am really excited to be joining Balmoral Tanks and look forward to helping the leadership team achieve its goals in making the company a more successful business and a great place to work.”

As a WRU Level 2 coach he regularly finds himself at pitches on cold wet weekends and said: “At least in the summer the rain gets warmer!”

The new operations director for the Thurnscoe plant is Cheong Tsang. Born in Hong Kong and raised from an early age in Scotland, Mr Tsang received his BSc in production engineering and management from Strathclyde University and, from there, has followed a career in engineering and manufacturing.

Mr Tsang has held various management and directorial roles in design/development, quality/process control, production and operations and has worked extensively in the UK, China and Germany.

“I firmly believe that people are the most important resource in any company. Indeed, I would argue strongly that a company is its people and that strong teamwork aligned to delivering second-to-none customer service are the keys to a successful company.

“My leadership style is one based on transparency, empowerment, coaching and collaboration and I am looking forward to further developing Balmoral Tanks’ strong workforce into a truly world-beating team.”

Allan Joyce, managing director at Balmoral Tanks, said: “We are delighted to announce these two senior appointments. Both gentlemen come to Balmoral with precisely the skill sets and spirit we require.

“We look forward to benefiting from their combined experience and I am sure their knowledge and capabilities will assist our ambitious targets in the global market.”

A firefighter who experienced homelessness is preparing to spend three nights under the stars next week to raise money for a cause close to this heart. Worthing Blue Watch Crew Manager Steve Foster will take part in The Great Tommy Sleep Out Challenge in aid of Royal British Legion Industries to support the estimated 6,000 veterans that are currently homeless in the UK.

He will be joined by fellow firefighter Matthew Harris and his 11 year-old daughter Eloise who will join him for the final night of the sleep-out, which begins on Wednesday (24 March).

Steve said: “Very few people will know this, but around seven years ago I became homeless and found myself living in a tent in a nature reserve for a few months over the winter period. I managed to hide the fact I was homeless from my family and my employer, but I was lucky enough to still be employed by the fire service and have a fire station I could use to shower and have some sort of normality in my life. Others aren’t so lucky.

“That is why myself and Matt will be taking part in The Great Tommy Sleep Out Challenge, braving the cold and potentially wet March nights, sleeping under the stars to help get veterans off the streets and into safe, warm housing and support those with disabilities.”

Having run his plans past the police for guidance on current COVID-19 restrictions, he has been given the greenlight and will be sleeping rough for three nights from Wednesday under the stars on the outskirts of Worthing, Chichester and Burgess Hill, whatever the weather.

Steve added: “We will be doing this with no provisions or financial back up, so no food or our wallets. If you happen to pass us, please feel free to stop by with a bite to eat or a brew. But if you pass a rough sleeper on your way then please give it to them instead.”

Chief Fire Officer, Sabrina Cohen-Hatton, said: “Returning to sleep out on the streets, even for a few nights, is not a decision anyone who has experienced homelessness would make lightly, and so I understand what a huge step this must have been for Steve to take. But I would like to commend him for taking his own experience of homelessness and using it for a force for good. It is such a worthy cause that he, Matt and Eloise will be raising awareness for and I would personally – from the bottom of my heart – like to wish him the very best of luck for the challenge.”  

You can find out more about The Great Tommy Sleep Out Challenge here: https://rbli.co.uk/the-great-tommy-sleepout-2021/

Or to support Steve’s fundraising efforts visit: https://www.facebook.com/donate/3800742586645980/?fundraiser_source=external_url

Global fire detection and alarm devices leader, Argus Security, has appointed Giorgio Koursaris as its new General Manager, with responsibility for both Argus and its UK sister brand, Hyfire. He joins at a pivotal moment for the well-known brand, which is about to embark on a series of new product launches that promise to revolutionise the fire sector. 

Giorgio, who holds both Greek and Italian citizenship, will oversee both commercial and production operations for Trieste-based Argus, which is part of Halma plc, the British-based group of life-saving technology companies. He joins after 13 years at Whirlpool Corporation, where he served latterly as General Manager Nordic Countries & Senior Director of Sales Operations for EMEA.

He said: “I was looking for a new challenge when this opportunity came along, and I am very excited for the future of the Argus and Hyfire brands. With a brand new product range on the launchpad that promises to revolutionise the capabilities and useability of wireless fire devices, it feels like there couldn’t have been a better time to join. 

“With the challenges of Covid-19 and the international repercussions of the Grenfell Tower fire in the UK, more and more fire installers are coming to appreciate the inherent advantages of wireless fire devices, which can be programmed offsite and installed in minutes, thereby reducing costs, reducing impact on the building’s fabric and minimising contact with occupants.”

Argus and Hyfire offer the widest range of commercial standard wireless and wired fire devices on the market, ranging from optical, multi-criteria and heat detectors to notification, alarm, interface and control units. All products, fully certified to EN54,  offer the highest performance and quality in the industry, and are also fully compliant with all relevant international standards. 

With over two decades of experience on his CV, Giorgio, 43, has lived and worked in Greece, Italy, Sweden and the UK, many of the key markets where Argus and Hyfire do business. A key part of his role will be to promote the key benefits of wireless fire technology, while also leveraging the global influence and reputation of Halma plc to grow sales and ongoing revenues for both brands. 

He added: “One of the biggest opportunities for Argus and Hyfire is the growing recognition that wireless devices are no longer a niche product for heritage buildings and big box industrial sites. We need push the message that wireless is becoming mainstream and will become the first choice for many installers within the next few years. Our new product range is the culmination of two decades of wireless development right here in Trieste, and I’m very excited for the future.”

Heather Schafer, the National Volunteer Fire Council’s (NVFC) chief executive officer, passed away suddenly on March 15. Heather had helmed the organisation, which also marked its 45th anniversary on March 15, for 27 years and the NVFC saw dramatic growth and success under her leadership. 

“It is with a deeply heavy heart that we announce the loss of Heather Schafer, who has been an integral part of the NVFC for more than half its existence,” said NVFC chair Steve Hirsch. “She will be greatly missed by the NVFC staff, board, members, and the entire fire and emergency services community. She was a visionary, and we are grateful for all she has done to further the NVFC’s mission. Her legacy won’t be forgotten.”

Heather joined the NVFC in 1993 and took on the role of CEO in 1994. She managed the NVFC’s internal and external operations and played an integral role in developing and implementing the organisation’s strategic plan. During her tenure, the NVFC grew immensely – from hundreds of members and a staff of two, to over 25,000 members and a staff of 11. 

With Heather’s leadership, the NVFC secured federal grants that allowed the organisation to offer groundbreaking programs and resources. She led the development of the Heart-Healthy Firefighter Program, Fire Corps, Share the Load program, Make Me A Firefighter program, and more. She also formed many partnerships and collaborations that benefited the volunteer emergency services community. In addition, she oversaw the NVFC’s advocacy efforts, which resulted in many victories for the fire and emergency services over the years.

Heather’s contributions to the organisation cannot be overstated. Her guidance and vision will have a lasting impact on the NVFC and the volunteer fire and emergency services. Heather’s commitment, innovation, and passion for the organisation’s mission has helped to shape the NVFC into what it has become.

In addition to her work with the NVFC, Heather volunteered at her local fire department and loved to kayak and spend time with family and friends. Our thoughts and prayers go out to her loved ones as they navigate this very difficult time. Information about arrangements will be posted to the NVFC web site at www.nvfc.org when they become available.

The Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) has appointed Steve Davies as its new Chief Executive Officer. Having joined the Association on 1 March, Steve will officially take the reins at the ASFP’s AGM on 28 April, when outgoing CEO Niall Rowan will stand down.

A Chartered Mechanical Engineer “by trade”, Steve brings a wealth of experience in senior leadership, as well as technical and operational capability from a range of industry sectors. He is a skilled trade association CEO with a strong track record of advancing and growing the reach and profile of such organisations, as well as developing and improving member support and services.

Steve joins the ASFP from the Lighting Industry Association (LIA), where he was CEO for over seven years. He led the association through a successful period of growth and development, including the establishment of a UKAS-accredited product testing laboratory and an industry-specific training academy. Prior to this, he was CEO of the newly established National Skills Academy for Power, responsible for its creation, growth and development; and Chief Executive/Commercial Director at Make UK/EEF Ltd, where he was responsible for the operational and strategic management of a regional association, as well as UK-wide commercial activity.

Speaking of his appointment, Steve declared: “I am excited to join the ASFP at such a pivotal point in its development. The Association has gone through a period of substantial change and growth in recent years. I will build on its achievements and continue its transformation into a modern, professional and outward-reaching association that will represent the needs of its members and the industry long into the future.

“The ASFP has an enviable reputation as a leading authority on passive fire protection.  While continuing to develop and improve the services and support offered to members, I will seek to raise the ASFP’s influence in the wider construction industry, ensuring that the competency and professionalism of the Association and its members is recognised throughout the sector.

“Further development of the Association’s highly successful technical and training offerings will be key to its future growth. New frameworks for delivery will take these to the next phase and enable the ASFP to reach a broader audience and advance knowledge and guidance on all aspects of ‘built-in’ fire protection.”

Outgoing CEO Niall Rowan, who will continue to work for the ASFP with a focus on technical and regulatory affairs, stated: “It has been a great honour to lead the ASFP through this period of huge change in the fire and construction sectors and to steer its growth and development, including overseeing the launch of its highly successful Foundation Course in Passive Fire Protection.

“I am delighted to welcome Steve to the ASFP team and look forward to supporting him as he leads the Association through this next phase of its development.”