Fire engineering consultancy strengthens board with new directors

by Featured NewsFire EngineeringPeople

OFR Consultants, a prominent fire engineering practice, has expanded its leadership by appointing four longstanding colleagues to its board of directors.

The company has welcomed Stewart Dabin, Dr Danny Hopkin, Jack Wilshaw, and Richard Rankin to join the existing board members, Andy Passingham and Ryan McCreadie.

These appointments are part of a broader initiative by OFR Consultants to bolster its team and fuel its growth strategy.

New board members bring a wealth of experience

The newly appointed directors bring a diverse range of expertise to the board. Stewart Dabin, based in London, has been instrumental in leading the Residential sector since joining the business in 2018.

Jack Wilshaw, also from London, has been a key figure in promoting best practices and managing significant accounts since his arrival in 2019.

Richard Rankin has led the Manchester office for five years, focusing on residential, healthcare, and education sector projects.

Dr Danny Hopkin, on board since 2017, has played a pivotal role in developing OFR’s technical capabilities and driving research initiatives.

Lucy Kirkup, HR director at OFR, remarked on the appointments: “We are proud to announce these changes – a move which underscores our commitment to promoting from within and celebrating the incredible people who make up our OFR team.

“Each new board member is impassioned and dedicated to our mission of creating safer and more sustainable new structures across the built environment, and we look forward to working together in this new era for OFR.”

Growth through nurturing talent

The announcement of the new directors follows a series of appointments at OFR, showcasing the firm’s commitment to attracting and nurturing talent.

Sarah Black has been appointed as principal engineer, with a group of new graduates also joining the ranks.

Kirkup said: “Our graduate programme is an annual initiative which ensures that we attract the best fire engineering talent.

“We nurture our colleagues at every stage, fostering their growth and empowering them to excel in their field.

“We provide a well-defined career path that ensures their success, whether that’s our graduates or our board members.”

OFR’s expansion to a team of over 120 colleagues is reflective of its consistent growth and its role in delivering high-quality, technically driven fire safety solutions globally.

Founded in Manchester in 2016, the firm has since opened multiple offices across the UK.

The company also celebrated Sam Bryant’s research award from the Society of Fire Protection Engineers this month, highlighting OFR’s dedication to contributing valuable research to the fire engineering sector.

IFSJ Comment

The strategic expansion of OFR Consultants’ board with seasoned professionals from within the firm demonstrates a significant consolidation of expertise in the fire engineering field.

By promoting internal talent to leadership positions, OFR not only reinforces its operational stability but also emphasises its commitment to internal career development and technical excellence.

These appointments, along with the infusion of new engineering talent, signal a positive trajectory for the firm’s influence on fire safety measures in the built environment.

The bolstering of OFR’s workforce also indicates a robust demand for specialised fire engineering solutions, underscoring the industry’s critical role in ensuring the safety and sustainability of infrastructure worldwide.

Stephen Zamansky joins REV Group as senior vice president and general counsel

by Featured NewsPeople

Zamansky to oversee REV Group’s legal, compliance and governance functions

Stephen Zamansky has been appointed as the new senior vice president and general counsel for REV Group, Inc, a prominent manufacturer of specialty vehicles. The announcement was made effective immediately.

Paul Robinson, who had taken the role of interim general counsel since April 2023, will stay on with REV Group until January 2024 to guarantee a smooth transition.

Zamansky’s vast experience with global companies

In his new role, Zamansky will be in charge of REV Group and its associated companies’ legal, compliance, and governance functions.

Furthermore, he will report directly to Mark Skonieczny, the president and CEO of REV Group, and will be a key figure on REV’s executive leadership team.

Zamansky’s credentials include previous stints as senior vice president, general counsel, and secretary at Cooper Tire & Rubber Co.

Before that, he was at Essar Minerals Americas Inc with the same title, and he has also worked as general counsel for Titan Energy Partners and DSL.net, Inc.

“Appointing Steve to lead our legal team is an important milestone for REV Group,” mentioned Mark Skonieczny, CEO, REV Group.

“He has a strong history of transforming businesses and driving results of global public companies.

“I am thrilled to welcome Steve to our executive leadership team; and I want to acknowledge Paul’s leadership and expertise and thank him for his support as interim general counsel.”

Additional responsibilities for Zamansky at REV Group

Besides dealing with legalities, Zamansky will also supervise corporate governance, ethics, compliance, and ESG, along with social responsibility and sustainability initiatives across all REV Group companies.

For his educational background, Zamansky acquired his law qualification from Boston College Law School and possesses a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan.

IFSJ Comment

The appointment of Stephen Zamansky to the position of senior vice president and general counsel at REV Group underscores the organisation’s dedication to upholding the highest standards in corporate governance, ethics, and legal compliance.

Given Zamansky’s extensive experience and impressive track record with global public companies, he is poised to make significant contributions to REV Group’s legal and corporate governance functions.

The continuity provided by Paul Robinson’s extended tenure until January 2024 further ensures stability during this period of transition.

Such strategic moves by REV Group reaffirm its commitment to maintaining robust governance structures, essential for the specialty vehicles industry’s evolving landscape.

IWMA names new Chair and board member

by Featured NewsPeople

In a series of recent developments at the International Water Mist Association (IWMA), Robert Harley Mostad has been elected as a new board member, while Max Lakkonen has been chosen as the Chair for the IWMA Scientific Council.

The news comes following the annual member meeting of the IWMA held in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Robert Harley Mostad joins the IWMA board

During the afternoon of the meeting, the IWMA members made the decision to elect Robert Harley Mostad as a new member of the board.

Reflecting on his new role, Robert Harley Mostad says: “I am honoured and humbled to get the opportunity to contribute to IWMA by sitting on the board of directors.

“I am committed to serving the organisation to the best of my abilities and recognise the responsibility to neutrally work to support both high- and low-pressure water mist suppliers.”

Luciano Nigro of Jensen Hughes and Dirk Laibach from Johnson Controls International were both reconfirmed in their positions as IWMA directors.

Max Lakkonen appointed as new Scientific Council Chair

Max Lakkonen, who is the Managing Director of IFAB – the Institute for Applied Fire Safety Research based in Berlin, Germany, has now been elected to chair the IWMA Scientific Council.

With a history dating back to 2005 with IWMA, Max has played various roles including being a member of the IWMA Scientific Council for over a decade.

Max Lakkonen says: “I am honoured to continue the excellent work of Bert Yu (FM Global), the former Chair of the Scientific Council.

“As the newly appointed Chair, my objective is to leverage my experience to enhance the water mist industry.

“Together, as a Scientific Council, we are committed to serving the fire protection industry in all matters related to water mist systems.”

This decision came after Prof. Hong-Zeng Yu, who had held the council chair since 2007, retired from FM Global and consequently stepped down from his position within IWMA.

IFSJ Comment

The changes within the IWMA board and the Scientific Council are notable shifts in the fire safety landscape.

Robert Harley Mostad and Max Lakkonen bring with them vast experience and knowledge.

Their appointments could shape the future direction of water mist technologies, especially considering the growing need for innovative fire safety solutions worldwide.

It will be interesting to see the new developments and collaborations this will usher in for the water mist industry.

Amthal welcomes Deane Sales as Group Sales Director

by Featured NewsPeople

Amthal, a leading name in commercial fire protection and security, has announced the appointment of Deane Sales as its new Group Sales Director.

This move follows a significant shift in the company’s strategy, particularly in its senior management’s approach to fire safety and security.

The latest appointment is expected to usher the group in a new direction, tapping into Sales’ extensive experience and expertise.

Sales brings extensive experience

Deane Sales, joining the ranks of Amthal, has a rich background in fire safety and security.

He has held leading roles as a director and consultant, partnering with specialist system providers to offer comprehensive life safety solutions tailored to the commercial sectors.

His addition to the team is seen as an extension of Amthal’s commitment to its strategic overhaul, emphasising its dedication to rebranding and ensuring excellence in its offerings.

Jamie Allam, CEO of the Amthal Group, shared: “This is an exciting time for Amthal, as we embark on a new strategic direction, with the rebrand only being the tip of the iceberg for the positive changes our customers can expect. 

“We are thrilled to bring new personnel to the team bringing fresh perspectives and expertise to drive our commitment to fire safety and security excellence”

He continued: “In appointing Deane, we were instantly impressed with his knowledge and commitment to compliance. 

“There has been an influx of new fire safety legislation and we have a responsibility to proactively embrace the changes and ensure observance is incorporated in our offerings.

“His leadership and strategic vision will play a pivotal role in driving the company’s growth and expansion in this dynamic market.”

Amthal’s commitment to growth

The appointment of Sales comes on the heels of Reece Paprotny being named Commercial Director, marking another step in the company’s strategic evolution under the guidance of its senior management.

Sales, commenting on his new role, stated: “It’s an absolute privilege to be joining Amthal at such an important time, not just for the company but also for fire safety and security in general. 

“We are at the cusp of enormous changes where guaranteed compliance will be critical to success. 

“All of which Amthal understands and is taking decisive action, being open to innovation, training and smart technology.

“As this is being filtered through the whole company, you can already see the customer response in trust, safe in the knowledge that Amthal can deliver. 

“We have the essential accreditation and open communications to implement specific requirements, bespoke to each sector. 

“And not being afraid of new opportunities that can only work to enhance our capability to make a difference in life safety and deliver total protection.”

IFSJ Comment

The move by Amthal to appoint Deane Sales, given his extensive experience and commitment to compliance, highlights the industry’s need for expertise in navigating the complexities of fire safety and security.

With increased legislation and the demand for stringent compliance, having individuals like Sales at the helm of companies such as Amthal indicates the industry’s commitment to evolving in line with the needs of today’s commercial sectors.

Advanced appoints new Product Management and Digital Director

by Featured NewsPeople

John Newbury’s vast experience in fire safety solutions

Advanced, a foremost provider of innovative fire safety solutions, has officially announced the enlistment of John Newbury in the capacity of Product Management and Digital Director.

Newbury, boasting a two-decade-long illustrious history in the fire industry, is set to infuse Advanced with his expertise in fire protection systems.

Over the prior seven years, Newbuy was an integral figure at Ramtech, an affiliate of Advanced’s Halma sister company, Orama.

His instrumental contributions led to the evolution of WES wireless fire and evacuation alarm systems.

In his tenure as Product Innovation Director, his passion for product strategy and innovation directed the firm towards notable accomplishments.

Advanced’s commitment to innovative solutions

Newbury commented on his appointment: “Advanced has a high-value brand, high-quality products, a global reach, and an exciting roadmap of innovation ahead.

“It’s the perfect time to join an amazing business.”

In his new role, Newbury will be exploring novel prospects for products, clientele, and sectors.

He will accentuate the critical role of a transparent product strategy in propelling commercial triumph.

His zeal for innovation perfectly synchronises with Advanced’s pledge to promote life safety via state-of-the-art solutions.

Regarding his plans at Advanced, he added: “What really excites me about the job is the team here.

“It’s still very early days, but I have already seen a culture across the business and an energy from the people that work for Advanced that I have not really experienced anywhere before.”

Antonio Telesca, Managing Director of Advanced, extended a warm reception to John, expressing: “His extensive experience and passion for innovation will undoubtedly drive our product strategy forward, ensuring that we continue to lead the market with our renowned fire safety solutions.”

IFSJ Comment

The inclusion of John Newbury into the ranks of Advanced underscores the company’s intent to continually evolve and refine their offerings in the fire safety domain.

With his vast experience and understanding of the industry, it can be anticipated that Advanced will further consolidate its position as a trailblazer in life safety solutions.

This move is a testament to Advanced’s resolve to integrate expertise and innovation, ensuring unparalleled service to their global clientele.

IFE centennial AGM announces new Board of Trustee Directors

by Featured NewsPeople

At the centennial Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE), a significant announcement was made to its members about the election of its new Board of Trustee Directors.

This board holds a key role, especially at a time when the fire sector is undergoing substantial changes.

The Board will guide the IFE’s goals to evolve, have an impact, and define the industry’s future.

Nick Collins brings decades of experience to IFE

Nick Collins is one of the newest members joining the Board of Trustee Directors.

Having been associated with the IFE for over three decades, Collins is no stranger to the intricacies of the sector having worked in various capacities within the sector including leading roles in London Fire Brigade and the Audit Commission.

His vast experience also includes spearheading significant projects for the UK’s National Fire Chiefs Council and past positions on the UK Chief Fire Officers Association’s Board.

Peter Wilkinson: A continual commitment to the IFE

Dr Peter Wilkinson has been re-elected as a Trustee Director, showcasing his unwavering support to the IFE’s mission.

A renowned figure in the industry, Peter has showcased exemplary leadership throughout his association with the IFE, including his involvement with various developments including the IFE’s EEDI working group.

His re-election stands as a testament to his invaluable contributions and the faith the international IFE community holds in him.

In a voluntary role, the IFE’s Board of Trustee Directors consists of individuals with a variety of experiences. Their collective expertise ensures that the IFE’s vision is consistently upheld and evolved for the betterment of its members.

IFSJ Comment

The recent elections at the IFE’s centennial AGM meeting highlight the continuous commitment to advancing the fire sector.

With seasoned professionals like Nick Collins and Dr Peter Wilkinson at the helm, there’s an added assurance that the IFE’s goals will be steered in the right direction.

Their vast experiences, coupled with their dedicated approach, are pivotal as the IFE navigates through industry changes.

As the sector faces new challenges and opportunities, having a robust leadership team becomes even more critical.

The elections not only underscore the faith that the community has in these leaders but also hint at a promising future for the global fire sector.

Fireaway Inc. appoints new vice president of global sales

by Featured NewsPeople

Jim Dickinson joins Fireaway Inc. in a pivotal role

Fireaway Inc. has announced the recruitment of James (Jim) Dickinson as their new executive vice president of global sales.

Dickinson will operate from his base in Dubai, UAE, where he currently resides with his family.

A seasoned professional in the fire protection industry

Beginning his career with Great Lakes Chemical Company in the early 2000s, Dickinson has a vast background in the fire protection domain.

He has held significant sales positions with brands like Honeywell Life Safety, Firetrace, and Reacton Fire Protection.

All these roles were situated in Dubai, highlighting Dickinson’s deep connection and understanding of the Middle East market, as well as European and Asian sectors.

Words from Fireaway Inc. leadership

Lance D. Harry, PE, the president and CEO of Fireaway Inc. said: “Jim and I shared our professional journey at Great Lakes Chemical. Jim’s prowess as a sales leader is undeniable.

“I am confident in his capabilities to bolster the growth of Fireaway Inc.”

More about Jim Dickinson

Having lived in Dubai for over a decade, Dickinson is deeply rooted in the community.

He holds the position of vice chairman at the Dubai Hurricanes Rugby club.

Both Jim and his daughters are active participants for the Hurricanes on the field.

Outside of his professional life and rugby, Jim is passionate about golf.

IFSJ Comment
The appointment of Jim Dickinson is a significant move for Fireaway Inc., especially given his rich history and expertise in the fire protection sector.

His track record with major brands in the industry and his profound knowledge of the Middle East, European, and Asian markets position him perfectly to drive growth.

Fireaway Inc.’s decision reflects their commitment to scaling their operations and reinforces their dedication to hiring top talent in the industry.

Fredrik Rosén takes on the role of Business Line Manager for Material Handling at Dafo Vehicle

by Featured NewsPeople

Dafo Vehicle, known for its excellence in safety for vehicles in high-risk sectors, has appointed Fredrik Rosén as their Business Line Manager for Material Handling.

This news comes as the company looks to strengthen its foothold in the material handling sector, serving its global clientele.

A strategic shift for Dafo Vehicle

Fredrik Rosén has been an instrumental figure in Dafo Vehicle since its beginnings.

His shift from being the Business Manager for Middle East and Africa, and later the Marketing Manager, signifies a dedicated move towards enhancing the company’s expertise in the material handling sector.

Upcoming engagements and industry impact

In line with his new role, Rosén is scheduled to attend the Autumn Port Equipment Manufacturing Association (PEMA) meeting from 10th to 11th October in Miami.

This meeting aims to develop a position paper, stemming from an ongoing investigation.

The investigation by a designated task group will shed light on the importance of fire suppression systems in port equipment to ensure the utmost safety.

Furthermore, the paper seeks to rally support from insurance firms, port operators, AHJs, and other significant stakeholders.

Their collective goal is to promote the compulsory installation of fire suppression systems on such high-risk vehicles, enhancing safety standards at ports worldwide.

Fredrik Rosén stated: “Taking on the role of Business Line Manager for Material Handling at Dafo is a moment of pride.

“Leading our dedicated team, we aim to bring advanced fire protection solutions to port handling equipment globally.

“Our vision is to usher in a new era of safety and innovation in the ports sector.”

IFSJ Comment

The appointment of Fredrik Rosén at Dafo Vehicle holds significant relevance for the fire and safety sector.

Dafo Vehicle’s strategic move signals an intensified focus on the material handling domain, a crucial area given the high risks involved.

As the industry continues to evolve, the emphasis on robust fire protection systems for port equipment cannot be overstated.

Rosén’s leadership and the company’s dedication to this cause promise a safer and more secure future for port operations worldwide.

Ken Bullock appointed as BAFE’s new Technical Schemes and Assurance Manager

by Featured NewsPeopleSafety

Ken Bullock joins the BAFE team: A key development for the fire safety sector

British Approval for Fire Equipment (BAFE) has announced the induction of Ken Bullock as their Technical Schemes and Assurance Manager.

Bullock is a distinguished figure in the fire safety domain and brings with him an impressive 35 years of industry experience.

His journey began with pioneering efforts in wireless fire detection and alarm technology.

Working closely with both the FIA and BRE, Bullock played an instrumental role in the advancement of this technology.

His noteworthy contributions include leading the development of EN54 part 25 and being recognised as the UK’s primary expert in the CEN working group.

Furthermore, his interactions with industry leaders led to his involvement in the creation of standards for automatic fire and detection systems.

Ken Bullock’s journey before BAFE

Before his role at BAFE, Bullock worked as the Business Development Manager for Evacuation Alert Systems at Advanced.

He is also renowned for his valuable insights on BS 8629 and has worked collaboratively to enhance both the standard and its understanding in the market.

Regarding his new role, Bullockremarked: “I’m excited and privileged to join BAFE. Using my knowledge and industry experience, we can elevate the fire industry’s competency.

“I will be focusing on fortifying partnerships with BAFE’s stakeholders to refine and expand the BAFE Schemes in alignment with pertinent standards and emerging technologies.

“Having always advocated for UKAS Accredited Third-Party Certification as a proof of competency, I’m thrilled to match my principles with BAFE’s.”

In response to this appointment, Justin Maltby-Smith, Group Managing Director of BAFE, commented: “We are pleased that Ken is now part of our team. His vast industry knowledge will unquestionably enrich the BAFE workforce.

“Given the growing demand for undeniable competency evidence, something BAFE is keenly aware of, Ken will be pivotal in spearheading this critical initiative.

“Moreover, with the fire safety mandates of Section 156 of the Building Safety Act 2022 coming into action [as of 01/10/2023], it further underscores the need for adherence to fire safety norms.

“We remain committed to championing the significance of UKAS Accredited Third-Party Certification and refining our Schemes to consistently reflect top-tier competence.”

IFSJ Comment

Ken Bullock‘s appointment to the BAFE team highlights the organisation’s dedication to bolstering fire safety standards and practices in the UK.

With his extensive experience and collaborative efforts in introducing and developing new technologies and standards, Ken’s role will be crucial in addressing the ever-evolving challenges in the fire safety sector.

As the UK grapples with the critical implications of the Building Safety Act 2022, such strategic appointments underscore the importance of fostering competency and ensuring rigorous adherence to fire safety measures.

The alignment of such industry stalwarts with organisations like BAFE exemplifies the commitment to a safer future and raises the bar for fire safety competence.

Morgan Hackl recognised as 2023 National Fire Chief of the Year

by AmericasBreaking NewsFeatured NewsPeople

Saskatoon Fire Chief, Morgan Hackl, has been honoured by the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs with the prestigious 2023 National Fire Chief of the Year Award.

Fire Chief’s dedication to community collaboration

The award, presented on September 19, 2023, revolved around the theme of partnerships and community safety & well-being (CSWB).

Chief Hackl stood out for his visionary approach to expanding the roles of the Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) in non-conventional public safety initiatives.

Through fostering community collaboration and outreach partnerships, the SFD has consistently identified innovative methods to bolster community safety.

City Manager acknowledges Chief Hackl’s community-driven approach

City Manager Jeff Jorgenson commented on Chief Hackl’s achievements: “Chief Hackl is a true community leader.

“He acquired direct experience of the challenges faced by Saskatoon’s most vulnerable, notably by participating in the Sanctum Survivor Challenge.

“During this, he spent 36 hours experiencing life as a homeless individual in Saskatoon.”

Furthermore, Jorgenson emphasised that Chief Hackl sees community challenges as a collective responsibility.

He highlighted the significant role Saskatoon Fire plays in addressing the city’s most pressing concerns.

Chief Hackl’s leadership extended during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Notably, his team established an Incident Management structure assisting over 50 agencies focused on aiding Saskatoon’s most vulnerable.

Moreover, Jorgenson acknowledged Chief Hackl’s aptitude for cultivating essential partnerships.

An instance of this is the collaboration between Saskatchewan Health Authority and Saskatoon Fire.

Together, they founded an Overdose Outreach Team, consisting of Saskatoon Fire Primary Care Paramedics and SHA Addictions Counsellors.

Jorgenson added: “Hackl endorses a comprehensive Emergency Management and Community Risk Reduction method that involves all stakeholders in collaborative problem-solving and leadership.”

Fire Chief’s journey: A glance at his career

Chief Hackl’s career with the Saskatoon Fire Department spans 35 years.

He embarked on his journey as a firefighter, progressing to captain, then served as battalion chief and assistant chief. He assumed his present position in 2015.

IFSJ Comment

The recognition of Saskatoon Fire Chief, Morgan Hackl, underscores the evolving role of fire departments in contemporary society.

Chief Hackl’s dedication to community collaboration and his approach to non-traditional public safety initiatives highlight a forward-thinking model for fire departments globally.

As the fire safety landscape continues to change, such leadership offers valuable insights and sets benchmarks for departments worldwide.