New executive chairman and president for BHETA

At the British Home Enhancement Trade Association (BHETA)'s Annual General Meeting on May 21, the BHETA board announced the appointment of David Smyth in the new role of executive chairman with effect from June 1. The AGM also saw the election of Clive Lloyd of RB UK as BHETA president.

Peter Stone, DIY sector director, and William Jones, housewares sector director, described the appointment of an executive chairman as a great opportunity to spearhead BHETA's commitment to driving the housewares, DIY, garden and home enhancement markets further.

"In the last three years, the Association has made great strides in terms of member engagement and financial stability, focusing firmly on added value benefits for members, while maintaining prudent budgetary controls. This has provided us with a sound platform from which to push forward with a strategy for growth.

"Together David and Clive bring extensive additional experience of manufacturing, packaging and distribution, having worked in a number of senior positions within the decorative, hardware and DIY industries over a number of years."

David Smyth started his career with Crown Paints and Wallpapers, becoming a member of the main board as sales and marketing director.

He later joined the McKechnie Group as managing director of Trent Valley Plastics (later Trent Hardware) and then moved to Douglas Kane. He was resident managing director of Douglas Kane at the time Newell Rubbermaid Group acquired the McKechnie Group and was involved with the integration of the group into Newell UK.

A familiar face in the DIY industry, Clive Lloyd spent many years with Richard Burbidge, before becoming managing director of shelving company, RB UK.

The AGM also saw a presentation made to James Green of Churchill China, Patrick Gardner of T&G Woodware and Tony Welton of Scott Brothers, who all retired by rotation from the Board after two years' service.

Steven Phelps of DKB Brands, David Holmes of The DRH Collection and Roger Morgan-Grenville of Dexam, were all voted onto the board and the re-elections of Gordon South as treasurer and John Jackson as vice president for housewares were also confirmed.

Source : HousewaresLive.net
www.housewareslive.net/news/news.asp?id=8406&title=BHETA+welcomes+new+executive+chairman+and+elects+new+president+