Pye-Barker Fire & Safety appoints President of Commercial Services

by Americas - Breaking NewsBreaking NewsPeoplePeople

Pye-Barker Fire & Safety has appointed Peter Robbins as President of Commercial Services, a newly created leadership role that will oversee the company’s acquisition activities, commercial strategy and growth initiatives across the United States.

Reporting to CEO Bart Proctor, Robbins will lead efforts to guide Pye-Barker’s acquisition strategy while helping evaluate, integrate and grow acquired businesses. The company has completed more than 200 acquisitions as part of its expansion strategy.

Robbins joins Pye-Barker from Baird, where he served as Managing Director in the Global Technology and Services Investment Banking Group. There, he jointly led the firm’s coverage of Facility, Industrial, Residential & Environmental (FIRE) services and advised on dozens of transactions across the fire and life safety sector.

His experience provides extensive knowledge of the industry’s operators, business models and market dynamics. Robbins is also a long-time advocate of Ownership Works, the non-profit organisation that partnered with Pye-Barker to establish its ALL In ownership programme, which provides employees with opportunities to build wealth through ownership.

Commenting on his appointment, Robbins said: “Pye-Barker is one of the few companies I’ve seen scale this quickly without losing what made it worth scaling in the first place. The operational rigor, the culture, the ownership — what this team has built is truly special, and I look forward to being part of its continued growth.”

Bart Proctor, CEO of Pye-Barker, added: “Peter has sat across the table from us, from our competitors, and from dozens of the businesses we’ve acquired. He understands this industry as well as anyone, but it was his commitment to the people that make this company great that truly stood out to me.

“Our growth, while rapid, is also very intentional. Peter’s growth philosophy matches ours perfectly, and I look forward to seeing what we accomplish together.”

Pye-Barker Fire & Safety is one of the largest providers of fully integrated fire protection, life safety and security services in the US. The company operates more than 250 locations nationwide, employs over 9,000 people and has been recognised as a Great Place to Work Certified organisation. It is also included in the Inc. 5000 list and ranked fourth in the SDM 100

Britannia Fire appoints Matt Humby as expansion drives next phase of growth

by Breaking NewsFire SuppressionPeople

Britannia Fire appoints Matt Humby as Head of Client Support and Development as the manufacturer enters its next phase of growth

UK-based company Britannia Fire has appointed Matt Humby as Head of Client Support and Development.

Describing Humby as “highly-regarded in the fire safety sector”, Britannia said he brings more than 25 years of industry experience and a strong track record in technical engagement, customer relationships and helping organisations respond to evolving fire safety challenges.

In his new role, Matt will focus on strengthening customer support, training and engagement, and contributing to future business development initiatives across the organisation. 

Commenting on his appointment, Humby said: “I am incredibly excited about my next chapter with Britannia Fire. I’m looking forward to becoming part of a fantastic team, supporting customers and continuing to contribute to an industry I am passionate about.”

Managing Director Andy Spence added: “This is an exciting time to welcome Matt to our team.  As we continue to grow, we’re investing not only in manufacturing capacity but also in strengthening the support, education and training we provide to our customers and partners. 

“Matt’s experience in technical engagement and customer development will help us expand our existing training programmes and create broader learning opportunities across the sector.

“Alongside this, our investment in facilities and production capacity ensures we are well placed to meet increasing demand for the P50 range.”

Britannia, which manufactures fire extinguishers, said the appointment comes as it enters its next phase of growth following investment in its facilities and manufacturing capacity.

As well as the expansion of its headquarters in Ashwellthorpe in Norfolk, the company recently opened a 350m2 administration centre.

It has also installed a second winding machine worth more than £300,000, which is used to attach super-strength aramid fibre to its P50 fire extinguisher cylinders.

Britannia said the investment will double production capacity for the P50 composite range, enabling the company to meet growing demand.

For further information on Britannia Fire, please visit www.britannia-fire.co.uk.

Ghent University student wins Ragnar Wighus Award

by Breaking NewsEventsFire SuppressionPeople

Ragnar Wighus Award recognises Ghent University master’s graduate Mohsen Morshedi for his award-winning water mist research

A Ghent University graduate has been announced as the winner of the Ragnar Wighus Award. Mohsen Morshedi will present his master thesis at the annual International Water Mist Conference (IWMC2026) in Prague, Czech Republic, on 7th and 8th October 2026. 

The title of the winning thesis is “Numerical Simulation of dense Water Mist Sprays in ‘cold’ Conditions with an Emphasis on Multi-Droplet Aerodynamics Interaction”. The thesis was supervised by Prof. Dr. Tarek Beji and Prof. Dr. Tom de Mulder. 

On receiving the news, Mohsen Morshedi said: “I am deeply honoured to be named the recipient of the Ragnar Wighus Award this year. It is a privilege to be recognised among such inspiring professionals, and I sincerely appreciate the support I have received along the way.” 

The sponsor of the award is the International Water Mist Association (IWMA). The committee that evaluates the submissions is the IWMA Scientific Council under the chairmanship of Kemal Arsava (Norwegian University of Science and Technology). 

In 2027, The Ragnar Wighus Award will go to the author of the best Ph.D. thesis. Deadline to hand in submissions is 31st March 2027. The terms under which to apply will be published towards in November. 

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.”

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.

SFPE elects new President, President-Elect and Board for 2026

by Associations and OrganisationsBreaking NewsFire EngineeringPeople

SFPE leadership appointments for 2026

The Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE) has named Shamim Rashid-Sumar as its 2026 President and Shaun Kelly as its President-Elect.

SFPE announced the appointments on 20 January 2026 in Gaithersburg, Maryland.

Rashid-Sumar is Senior Vice President, Fire Codes and Standards at the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association.

Her role includes working with National Model Building Codes and International Standards Organizations and providing technical support on codes, standards, regulations and legislation at national, state and local level.

The release lists committee roles for Rashid-Sumar across bodies including the ICC, ASTM, ACI and NFPA.

Board elections and continuing directors

Jimmy Jönsson has been elected Secretary-Treasurer.

Virginia Charter, John Frank, Craig Vesely and Karl Wallasch have been elected to the SFPE Board of Directors.

Each will begin their term on 1 January 2026.

Chris Jelenewicz, Chief Executive Officer of SFPE, said: “SFPE’s strength lies in the dedication and vision of its volunteer leaders, and we are proud to welcome our newly elected Board of Directors.

“These accomplished professionals bring diverse perspectives and deep technical expertise that reflect the global fire protection engineering community.

“Their leadership will be instrumental as SFPE continues to advance innovation, support the profession, and expand our impact in improving fire safety worldwide.”

The release said John Denhardt, Mark Hopkings, Elizabeth (Carcone) Pennacchio, Jeffrey Tubbs and Michael Wojcik will continue their service on the Society’s Board of Directors.

SFPE said it will solicit nominations for 2027 leadership roles in the coming months.

ASFP expands training and technical team with two new appointments

by Associations and OrganisationsBreaking NewsPassivePeople

ASFP appointments add training and technical capacity

The Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) has appointed Nathan Hassall as Training Officer and Akim Makumbi as Technical Associate.

In a press release, the ASFP said the appointments were intended to strengthen its training and technical functions for the passive fire protection sector in a post-Grenfell context.

Training role focused on course delivery and development

Nathan Hassall joins as Training Officer with more than a decade of industry experience across site-based and management roles.

The ASFP said Hassall began his career as an apprentice carpenter more than 10 years ago and has spent the last five years working in construction management.

Hassall said: “I’m thrilled to join the ASFP as a Training Officer.

“My goal is to support individuals and organisations in navigating the complexities of our industry by promoting clarity and best practice.

“I look forward to delivering our core curriculum while also developing and refining new courses to ensure our training remains world class.

“I’d like to thank the ASFP for this opportunity and my professional network for their ongoing support.

“I’m excited to play an active role in the future growth and success of the passive fire protection sector.”

Technical role focused on compliance, quality assurance and standards alignment

Akim Makumbi joins the ASFP Technical Team as Technical Associate, where he will support membership events and technical groups with specialist guidance in Passive Fire Protection and Fire Protection Engineering.

The ASFP said Makumbi brings experience from roles across the intumescent and protective coatings sector, construction, project management and mechanical engineering.

Makumbi said: “I am excited to join the ASFP as Technical Associate.

“My core mission in this new chapter is to help bring more awareness and bridge the technical skills gaps with other niche & innovative industries in line with fire engineering products & systems, construction, quality assurance, and compliance.”

The ASFP said the appointments were intended to support members through technical leadership and practical training.

E&B Fire appoints Simon Parr as Operations Director

by Featured NewsPeople

Why E&B Fire’s latest appointment could shape its future growth

E&B Fire has announced the appointment of Simon Parr as Operations Director to guide its expanding team and uphold high standards of customer care.

According to the company, the appointment reflects a focus on maintaining quality as the business continues to grow in the life safety and security sector.

Parr brings over twenty years of experience in the fire and security industry, having held both operational and management roles across teams, projects and contracts.

The firm said his practical background, focus on people and commitment to process improvement made him a strong addition to its leadership team.

Focus on quality and team development

Simon Parr, Operations Director at E&B Fire, said: “What stood out to me about E&B Fire is the way it combines technical knowledge with teamwork and a genuine focus on customer care.

“It also allows me to work alongside a skilled team that values both service and performance.

“My aim is to support the team, build on the strong foundation already in place and help make sure our operations develop alongside the growth of the business.

“I want to create an environment where people can succeed and where quality remains at the centre of everything we do.”

In his new role, Parr will oversee day-to-day operations, working closely with teams across the company to ensure projects run smoothly from design through to completion.

He will also help shape operational strategy, apprenticeship opportunities and the development of skilled talent.

Strengthening leadership foundations

E&B Fire said Parr will support new initiatives that improve efficiency, training and long-term sustainability.

Luke Stuart-Evans, Co-Director at E&B Fire, said: “Simon brings the right experience and approach to our team.

“As we grow, it’s important that our operations remain strong and consistent to maintain customer excellence, and Simon will play a key role in ensuring this happens.

“His focus on people and practical knowledge fits well with how we work, and I know he will help us continue building a capable, reliable team for the future.”

Andy Brooks, Co-Director at E&B Fire, added: “Simon’s appointment reinforces the leadership foundations Luke and I have built.

“We want to make sure our growth is backed by strong operational oversight and the same principles of quality and reliability that define how we work.”

Operational leadership and industry relevance

The appointment of an Operations Director highlights how E&B Fire is prioritising structured growth, operational consistency and workforce development across its projects in life safety and security.

For fire-protection contractors and system installers, the focus on training and apprenticeships reflects continued investment in skills pipelines across the sector.

Facility managers and project leads may also view this as a sign of strengthened delivery frameworks, particularly in ensuring installation and maintenance processes remain reliable as the business scales.

E&B Fire’s leadership expansion points to a wider industry trend of formalising operational governance to meet increasing safety and compliance expectations.

Gaurav Arora joins Kentec to direct global product strategy and support

by Featured NewsFire DetectionPeopleTraining

Kentec appoints Gaurav Arora as general manager

Kentec Electronics has appointed Gaurav Arora as General Manager, Product Management and Technical Support.

The company said the appointment will strengthen its service, support and training functions across its product portfolio.

Leadership and experience

Kentec confirmed that Arora will manage end-to-end product lifecycles across its range of fire control and safety systems.

He will lead market-driven product development, define the product roadmap and oversee customer training and technical support.

Arora has 20 years of experience in the fire and security sectors, including 15 years in product management and five years in customer-facing roles.

He previously led commercial and domestic fire detection initiatives involving wireless fire detection and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies.

Building on customer satisfaction

Kevin Mears, Global Product Manager (EN) at Kentec, said: “Gaurav brings deep knowledge of product development, support and training and will be invaluable in building on the customer satisfaction that Kentec is already known for.”

The company stated that the role aligns with a broader strategic focus within Hochiki Corporation’s International Business Division, led by Kentec Managing Director Kevin Swann.

This follows the appointment of Frank Tan to lead business development across the Asia Pacific region.

Collaboration and technical focus

Working from Kentec’s Dartford, Kent headquarters, Arora said: “I have always collaborated closely with technical teams and am excited by the close fit at Kentec between technical support and product management – which enhances quality, speeds product improvements and ensures customer needs are reflected in both a well-defined roadmap and support readiness.”

He added: “I also look forward to working alongside a team of talented professionals whose combined experience in the fire industry exceeds a century!”

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

Arora’s appointment will interest system specifiers, product developers and technical training providers who rely on Kentec’s fire detection and control products.

His dual oversight of product management and technical support indicates an increased emphasis on integrating customer feedback directly into product updates and training.

This may improve response to on-site issues and enhance the efficiency of future product rollouts.

It also signals a focus on knowledge transfer between development teams and end users, which could affect training content and post-installation support processes for installers and system maintainers.

Promat expands specification team to meet Building Safety Act demand

by Featured NewsPassivePeople

Promat appoints new Project Specification Manager for South East operations

New appointment supports regional construction sector

Passive fire protection specialist Promat has appointed Dom Mason as Project Specification Manager to support customers across the South East.

Promat said the appointment will strengthen its regional coverage across North London, the Home Counties, Essex and East Anglia.

Mason will work as part of the wider UK team to assist with passive fire protection specification requirements for construction projects.

The company added that Mason brings extensive experience within the passive fire protection sector and a detailed understanding of the impact of recent industry regulations.

He is currently working towards the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) Level 3 in Passive Fire Protection.

Focus on structural steel and large-scale projects

Promat explained that Mason’s work will focus on supporting structural steel projects, large commercial developments and high-rise internal fit-out schemes.

Mason said: “The Building Safety Act has driven major change in the industry, and the need for additional information and support at the specification stage.

“It also allows us to support best practice in the specification of passive fire protection, especially with the level of testing that Promat offers.

“This is a major benefit for customers looking for a more harmonised approach that can be assessed for use in a wider range of applications.

“Being able to provide customers with recommendation details is essential to helping meet demand for more tested solutions.

“I’m looking forward to engaging with existing and new customers as well as meeting up with some familiar faces across the industry.”

Supporting growth under Building Safety Act requirements

Promat said Mason’s appointment aligns with its growth strategy as demand increases for passive fire protection and supporting documentation in line with the Building Safety Act.

National Specification Manager Harvey Brown added: “Dom is a great asset to the team.

“His experience in supporting specification requirements for the Building Safety Regulator will be a real benefit to customers looking for focused support.”

Promat manufactures passive fire protection systems designed to contain the spread of fire, allowing safe evacuation and protecting the integrity of buildings and assets.

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

The appointment of a new Project Specification Manager at Promat is directly relevant to building specifiers, architects, fire engineers and contractors working on construction projects in the South East.

Mason’s focus on structural steel, high-rise fit-outs and large commercial buildings aligns with areas most affected by the Building Safety Act’s increased requirements for transparency and tested passive fire protection systems.

Professionals involved in design, compliance and material specification will have access to additional technical support and tested data, improving assurance across regulated projects.

This development also highlights the industry’s continued response to post-Grenfell regulatory frameworks, particularly regarding evidence-based fire-protection design.