New Chief Executive at the British Marine Federation

Published on 1/10/2012

Howard Pridding today takes up his new role as Chief Executive Officer of the British Marine Federation (BMF), replacing Rob Stevens who retired on Friday 28 September.

Previously the Executive Director of the BMF, and having worked for the industry for 21 years, Howard is well qualified to help the industry through the continuing difficult times and will progress the positioning of the BMF as one the most influential trade associations in the country and the global marine industry. In his new role Howard will oversee both the work of the Federation and its two world-renowned boat shows, the Tullett Prebon London Boat Show and PSP Southampton Boat Show.

The appointment marks the end of the existing position of Executive Director as the BMF’s Management Board takes this opportunity to rationalise the organisation. The removal of a layer of management allows the BMF to continue to reduce costs whilst maintaining focused leadership for future success.

Howard will be supported in his new role by the existing and experienced senior management team comprised of NBS Managing Director, Murray Ellis, Group Commercial Director, Adrian Danson, Company Secretary & Legal Director, Anne Colquhoun and Financial Director Chris Millward.

With the removal of the Executive Director position, the members of the BMF’s Federation Management Team will report directly to Howard as Chief Executive. A revision of functions and responsibilities in the trade association side of the BMF business sees a strong team on hand to support the industry, with key positions filled as below:

  • Sarah Dhanda becomes a member of the senior management team as the Senior Federation Director, drawing on her eleven years of experience in the industry. Sarah takes on responsibility for coordination and accountability of Federation activity, in addition to her current responsibilities of business development, international development and training
  • Brian Clark takes on the role of Head of External Relations, assuming responsibility for day-to-day management of the BMF’s representational work, as well as continuing to manage the Environment & Boating Facilities function
  • Technical Director David Elson becomes fully focused on transitioning the Technical Department to meet the many technical challenges facing the industry and developing support to the manufacturing sector and particularly the BMF’s Supply Chain Initiative
  • Hayley James, as Head of Member Relations, continues the drive to retain and recruit members through improved customer service and engagement with members having successfully maintained membership levels over the last year

Commenting on the recent changes, Howard said:

“I would like to thank Rob for the six and a half years of dedicated service he has given to the BMF in his tenure as Chief Executive. He has been a great leader and has ensured that the BMF that we see today is a respected and effective membership organisation.

“I am thrilled to be able to guide the BMF on the next stage of its journey and am determined to make sure the organisation continues to bang the drum for the marine industry, promoting the fantastic work of our members and working with government to create the best possible environment for our industry to succeed.

“It is a real privilege to be heading such a capable team, all focused on delivering tangible benefits to members through the work of the Federation and the delivery of such outstanding boat shows.”

ENDS

For more information please contact Elliot Bishton on 020 3128 6132 or email elliot.bishton@mhpc.com 

Notes to editors

  • The British Marine Federation has over 1500 members representing an industry employing c. 31,000 people in the UK. Members are drawn from both the seagoing and inland sectors of the marine industry covering the leisure boat, hire fleet, commercial workboat and superyacht categories and supporting services. For more information about the work of the BMF and how to join, please visit the website at http://www.britishmarine.co.uk/
 

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