Archives for February 2017

The Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) is pleased to announce that Phil Pluck has been appointed as its new Chief Executive.

Phil brings with him a wealth of experience in leading professional membership bodies and is currently the Managing Director and Commercial Director for the Royal Town Planning Institute which has a membership base of 23,000. He has also worked with and advised on operational and commercial strategy for a number of other membership bodies as well as holding commercial directorships in the charity, private and government sectors.

Bringing with him a reputation for focusing on membership value and influence, Phil has previously worked on putting membership and their services at the very heart of his organisations.

On accepting the GGF Chief Executive role Phil commented:

“It is a very real privilege to be joining the GGF as their next CEO. It is clear from my discussions with the Board that they wish to see the Federation grow its influence across the sector and with government. Being part of the GGF at this time to both support its current success and to take it to the next stage of its growth is very exciting.  It is clear that GGF has a great team and Board supporting its Members and I look forward to working with all to achieve the GGF’s ambitions.” 

On the appointment, Alan Burgess, GGF President said:

“We are delighted that Phil has accepted the role of Chief Executive and the GGF will undoubtedly benefit from his broad senior management skills and leadership experience.”

Phil will officially start at the GGF on 2^nd May 2017, taking over from Brian Baker who is currently interim Chief Executive. On the news of Phil’s appointment, Brian commented:

“I am pleased the GGF has found an outstanding Chief Executive to take the Federation into a new era. Being interim Chief Executive for the first few months of the GGF’s 40^th Anniversary has been varied and exciting. I have enjoyed being part of the GGF team and would like to extend my thanks to all the GGF staff and Members who have helped me during this time. I wish all connected to the GGF, the very best for the future.”

On Brian Baker’s interim role, Alan Burgess commented:

“The GGF is celebrating a successful 40 years leading the industry and it has only been successful because of Members such as Brian. His contribution has been immense for almost ten years. His knowledge and input at technical meetings through to his successful Presidency and most recently taking on the role as interim Chief Executive, to ensure a seamless transition between Chief Executives, has been truly invaluable. On behalf of all the GGF staff and Members, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Brian for his outstanding service to the GGF.”  

Following the President’s Reception on 2^nd February, and Alan Burgess’ announcement of the GGF’s 40^th anniversary celebrations, the Federation is now preparing for a memorable year ahead having fully settled into new offices, with a new President and now a new Chief Executive. 

In front of over 80 invited guests made up of GGF Members, industry dignitaries and GGF employees, Brian Baker, GGF Chief Executive (Interim) hosted the presentations for the event, reflecting on his own Presidency (which ended in December 2016) and providing an update on the changes at the GGF in the last 12 months. Following his introduction, Brian thanked Nigel Rees former GGF Chief Executive for his 22 years of loyal service to the Federation. Nigel was then invited to say farewell to the GGF and the industry.

Following Nigel’s heartfelt thanks and praise of the GGF Members and staff for their support, Brian welcomed in new President, Alan Burgess who delivered an engaging inauguration speech that covered the challenges ahead and outlined his aspirations for the Federation.

On becoming the GGF’s 23^rd President, Alan commented, “I am delighted to be appointed President of the GGF for 2017. With over 45 years’ experience in the industry, combined with many years on several boards and committees with the GGF Group, I know first-hand the kind of challenges involved. I am also aware of the substantial personal commitment required and I will ensure the good work of the current Board Members and former Presidents is continued and developed.”

Brian Baker added “I am pleased Alan is now President. As the GGF Immediate Past President, I appreciate the commitment, time and complex work involved at the GGF. In my current role as interim Chief Executive, I am looking forward to working with Alan and lending advice or help when required. There are some interesting times ahead especially with our political campaigning, new corporate governance and infrastructure as well as our new overall strategic direction. I am confident the right people are now in place to fully deliver the best for our members.”

Alan concluded, “It’s a great year to be GGF President as 2017 marks the GGF’s 40^th anniversary. Today, I outlined some of the events and initiatives we have planned to celebrate this special year in the history of the GGF. We have 37 founder members who have been with the Federation continuously for 40 years and since 1977, the GGF has grown considerably. In recent years more companies have joined and discovered the many benefits of membership. I am now looking forward to helping the GGF and its Members – regardless of company size and status – and I hope my personal attributes of fairness and due diligence, along with my independence of mind will help ensure that my tenure as President is one of continued success for GGF Members.”