News Item: HAE EHA Welcomes a New Chair and Vice Chair
The Hire Association’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) took place on Wednesday 17th July. In addition to the financial review and sign off on the accounts, the agenda included the election of some new members on the Non-executive Industry Boards and the appointment of a new Chair and Vice-chair.
A total of 11 existing board members were standing for re-election with three more new candidates coming forward; Rob Smith from Jewson Tool Hire, Christian Hardman from DeWALT Power Tools and Neil Grist from OX Tools. All 14 candidates were successfully elected and will represent their industry sectors, acting in the best interest of the association.
However the major changes in 2024 happened on the HAE EHA Main Board, with the appointment of Phil Leahy from Sunbelt Rentals as Association Chair, and Sally Wray from GoHire Group as Vice-chair.
Regarding his appointment as Chair Phil Leahy said, “I am delighted to be stepping into the role of Chairman of Hire Association Europe and Event Hire Association, and I couldn’t be more honoured and grateful to assume this position.
“This year the association will be celebrating its 50th anniversary, at a time when the rental industry is facing numerous challenges and evolving at a pace we have never seen before. But with challenges always comes opportunity, and I am looking forward to working with the HAE EHA team to develop the role the association has in growing the industry through its fantastic members”.
Sally Wray was also pleased to be voted in as Vice Chair saying, “When I began my career in the hire industry I soon came to regard the Hire Association as my ‘port in a storm’. Their guidance and support at my every step has been so valuable to me personally and also to my business.
“To find myself voted by my peers to Vice Chair of the Main Board is a huge honour to me and I’m very proud. I am very much looking forward to beginning work in this role and will aim to do my very best for the Association and the hire community.”
There have been two departures from the board, including Phil Jones of Vp Brandon Hire Station; his place has been taken on the HAE Tools, Plant and Equipment board by their Managing Director Mark Hamilton. Martin Bestwick of inspHire also took the decision to step away from the HAE EHA Supply Chain Board. The association would like to express its gratitude to both individuals for their time and commitment.
Neil Bravery, who has held the post of Chair since 2021 is now Association President, and Brian Sherlock moves into the newly created role of Advisor to the Board.
Reflecting on the outcomes of the AGM, Hire Association CEO Paul Gaze said, “I would like to place on record my thanks to all Board Members for giving their time freely to support the work of the Association in promoting the sector and raising standards. Could I also say a huge thank you to Neil Bravery for his support and guidance over the past three years.”
Click below to view a complete and up to date list of all HAE EHA Board Members.