62 | People
WPA management reorganises as Dr Chris Coggins retires
into two business divisions - Property Care and Wood Protection in 2003 and the conversion of these divisions into independent trade associations in 2006. Dr Coggins stayed with WPA as its director of operations and became chairman in 2010, a position he held for eight years.
Above: Dr Chris Coggins retired at the end of last year
After more than 35 years working with the Wood Protection Association (WPA) and its precursors, Dr Chris Coggins retired at the end of last year.
Dr Coggins was appointed director of the British Wood Preserving and Damp Proofing Association (BWPDA) in July 1993, joining from Rentokil’s Timber Preserving Division where he was technical manager. He led the separation of BWPDA
More recently, he has been responsible for the quality and wood protection standards promoted by WPA. His notable achievements include development of the WPA Benchmark Quality Schemes and influencing National Highways to accept an alternative route to the verification of treatment plant operator competency, which was announced last November. “Chris’s contribution to the WPA is nothing short of remarkable,” said WPA chairman Steve Young. “On behalf of his fellow directors and the many members who have benefited from his exceptional knowledge and expertise over the years we wish him the very best for his retirement.” Dr Coggins’s decision to retire has resulted in a reorganisation of WPA management team responsibilities. Effective from January 1, 2025, Neil Ryan assumed Dr Coggins’s responsibility
Premier Forest Products welcomes national sales director
Above: Andrew Stevenson (left) and Terry Edgell
Premier Forest Products has appointed Andrew Stevenson as group sales director as it consolidates its national presence. Mr Stevenson has joined the business from CWG Choices where he held the post of sales director and brings with him 27 years of experience within building products and manufacturing sectors.
TTJ | January/February 2025 |
www.ttjonline.com
His strong connections and experience in driving a customer centric value proposition throughout the organisation will allow him to develop Premier Forest’s sales team from the head office in Newport, focusing on developing its existing customer base alongside driving new business opportunities. “I’m very excited to have joined such a well-respected business as Premier Forest,” said Mr Stevenson. “The ambitious vision and pedigree of the business is well known throughout the industry and it is reflected by the commitment from staff across all functions and, indeed, its customers.” “We’re delighted to welcome Andrew to the Group and his experience will be invaluable in leading our UK-wide sales teams,” said Terry Edgell, co-founder and CEO at Premier Forest. “Our aim is to align our efforts across our branch network to ensure that we are providing our customers with the best possible product choice and service at all times.”
for quality and standards and Creosote at board level while Janet Sycamore took on the role of secretary for the WPA Technical & Regulatory Affairs (T&RAC) and FR Committee, which was formerly performed by Dr Coggins.
Mr Ryan has passed on his role as chair
of the Technical and Regulatory Affairs Committee to Matthew Powell, who is also responsible for WPA’s FR activities and chairman of the FR Committee. As part of this reorganisation, Ms Sycamore is handing responsibility for WPA communications to Dominic Weaver, a new member of the team. Mr Weaver is a communications professional with 16 years’ experience working in the wood sector and commenced his contract with WPA on November 1. It is anticipated that he will play a key role in raising the profile of the WPA and the role of wood protection technology in helping to make the most of wood as a sustainable, low environmental impact material. Ms Sycamore’s responsibilities will focus on her duties as financial controller, company secretary and membership support services, in which capacity she is supported by Caroline Hewison.
Simon Henry joins WPA team
Simon Henry has become a director of the Wood Protection Association (WPA), as of January 1. He will operate as part of the Association’s management team with responsibility for WPA strategy and membership development. Mr Henry served previously as a director of the WPA (from 2021 to 2023), representing the timber treatment sector, and brings a wealth of wood industry experience to the organisation. He was a director of TTF / TDUK from 2017 to 2023, working as part of the team that combined the Timber Research and Development Association (TRADA) and the Timber Trade Federation (TTF) to create Timber Development UK (TDUK) in 2022.
Following a progressive career of over 35 years in timber sales, logistics and business management with Crown Timber, Mr Henry was appointed managing director GB and Ireland following the company’s acquisition by Södra Wood.
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