On May 31st, the Glass and Glazing Federation said goodbye to Graham Hinett who has decided to retire from his position as Chief Executive of FENSA – the GGF’s subsidiary company.
Graham’s first association with the GGF was back in the mid 1980s when he attended meetings to represent GGF Member Everest. From that point Graham went on to chair group meetings and in 1998 he was appointed to the position of GGF President. Following a successful term as President, Graham continued to be a GGF Board Member and then headed up FENSA virtually since its inception in 2002. During the last ten years Graham has been instrumental in growing FENSA to its position of leading Competent Person Scheme. The growth of FENSA has not only been a huge benefit for the industry but also for the GGF and its Members.
Under Graham’s leadership, FENSA has seen the success of self-certification
within the window industry and the development the performance criteria for replacement windows installed in England and Wales.
More recently, FENSA has been successful in becoming a UKAS Accredited Green Deal Certification Body an award that will mean FENSA can certify glazing installation companies to carry out Green Deal work.
Though retiring, Graham still intends to retain his position as Chairman of The Glazing Ombudsman (TGO) the fair and transparent scheme which maintains industry standards and contributes to overall consumer confidence. Graham was a founder of TGO in July 2011 and in under a year has grown the scheme to a position where approximately 18% of window and door installations in the UK are now completed by TGO registered businesses.
On leaving the GGF Graham commented, “I have had a great time working with the GGF. I feel I have brought a real passion and energy to the Federation and FENSA and have enjoyed playing my part in growing FENSA.”
In stepping down as FENSA Chief Executive, Graham will hand over the reins of FENSA to General Manager Chris Mayne, who has been working in FENSA since September 2011. Chris has many years’ experience in the window industry and is not only very experienced in the technical requirements of glazing but is also fully up to speed with FENSA, including its business and registration requirements. Chris will be reporting to Nigel Rees, Group Chief Executive of the GGF (Glass and Glazing Federation) Group.
On Graham’s departure, Nigel Rees commented “On behalf of all GGF members and staff, I thank Graham for all his efforts and great service to the Federation. Without Graham’s drive and contribution, I very much doubt the GGF would be in the strong position it is in today. I wish him a very happy retirement.“
Graham added in his farewell speech “The glazing industry is a great industry and I have been privileged to work with some great people in my time at the GGF, FENSA and in the industry generally, thanks to everyone and all the very best for the future.”
