Julian Newman has been appointed as the new president of the Guild of Architectural Ironmongers (GAI), with a new team of executive officers and a clear agenda for change.
Julian will lead the major new developments currently underway at the GAI and Institute of Architectural Ironmongers (IAI) as part of the One Future Vision initiative.
One Future Vision is the name given to the change programme first proposed three years ago. It was born from concerns among members and the executive teams of both the GAI and the IAI that, in the fast-changing business environment for architectural ironmongers and the construction industry we serve, we were at risk of having much less influence and impact.
Julian is the managing director of Oxford Ironmongery. He started his career in architectural ironmongery as a sales representative with Henderson Hardware, and has taken on a series of roles since then that are all focused on demonstrating the value of architectural hardware and progressing professional standards in the industry.
Julian said:
“While members may not have felt it directly yet, major change is already underway. Next year we will launch a brand new, dynamic organisation that will be the voice of the industry and that will stop at nothing to advocate and advance the membership and industry.
“My aim is to drive the new organisation forward but I want to reassure all members that we won’t be making major changes without consulting them every step of the way.
“I look forward to working with the rest of the GAI team and the executive committee to take the One Future Vision initiative through to a successful conclusion and provide a platform for future industry success.”
Angie Corkhill, director of the GAI, said:
“Julian brings a wealth of knowledge and experience within the architectural ironmongery industry and to the GAI. His 30 years of commitment to the industry and his dedication to the profession makes him an ideal candidate for the GAI Presidential role at this exciting and pivotal time.”
Other senior appointments confirmed at the GAI’s AGM included Mario Del-Signore, managing director at CES Security Solutions, who takes on the role of GAI Vice President, and Steve Bewick, senior vice president at dormakaba, who becomes the GAI’s Treasurer.
www.gai.org.uk
