FIRA appoints new general manager

FIRA International has appointed a new general manager (GM), Lee Wade, following liveryman Phil Reynolds’ recent step into the newly created role of chief operating officer (COO) of the Furniture Industry Research Association (FIRA).

Phil’s new role will see him continue to chair various standards committees and represent the views of members on other working groups. He will also oversee and develop projects undertaken by the Research Association and provide a dedicated source of technical information to members, drawing on his twenty years within the furniture sector.

Lee said: “I am looking forward to my new role at FIRA International, working alongside my new colleagues to deliver first-class solutions across the furniture industry.

“It’s a fascinating organisation with unique selling points and strengthened by world class experts whose knowledge spans across furniture testing, consultancy, ergonomics and aftercare.

“My initial plan is to focus on the continuing expansion programme which has been in place for a few months and is backed by investment from our parent company, Element. An example of this can be seen with our UKAS-accredited flammability testing lab which recently doubled in size and took on new testing machines to meet demand.”

Phil said: “Under the stewardship of the Council, the Research Association has established itself as the centre of knowledge for the furniture industry. My remit as COO is to build on this to the benefit of members and the wider furniture industry.

“I am not entirely stepping away from FIRA International, as I will also serve as the new technical development manager, a role which will perfectly complement my position as COO at FIRA.”