New hire industry supremo named
Paul Glaze to succeed Graham Arundell as CEO of Hire Association Europe and Event Hire Association
PAUL Gaze has been appointed a chief executive officer designate of Hire Association Europe (HAE) and Event Hire Association (EHA), following Graham Arundell’s decision in January to step down as CEO after 13 demanding years at the helm.
Mr Gaze took over the hire industry hot seat on 1 September 2020, after joining HAE EHA as commercial manager in 2018 and quickly making his mark by helping to transform the training and skills development programmes, setting up a career path for members, widening the training offer and introducing a vocational assessment centre.
He has a great understanding of and insight into the issues within construction and is considered a skilled relationship builder with an ability to bring about consensus across general and specialist sections of the industry.
He is also passionate about training and development and an outstanding advocate of providing opportunity for industry to excel in a constantly changing environment.
To support cross-sector working, Mr Gaze introduced the Hire Skills Pledge to promote careers, recruitment and development. He led the further development of virtual reality training and the HAE Direct Business, supporting members with safety guidance and information.
He has also taken an active role in supporting industry committees, forums and groups. including the Technical Safety Panel, Digger and Dumper Safety Group, Construction Dust Partnership, and the Build UK CITB Reform Group.
‘Paul’s impressive pedigree of 30 years’ experience in the construction industry in a range of technical and managerial roles in both the public and private sectors – prior to joining HAE EHA he spent more than a decade at the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) – made him the ideal candidate for the position,’ said HAE chair Brian Sherlock.
Mr Sherlock continued: ‘HAE EHA has experienced a very successful past decade under Graham Arundell’s steady hand and the post of CEO designate provides some big shoes to fill.
‘As an ambitious and innovative organization, we’re looking forward to Paul putting his skills and experience to excellent use: continuing to build the Association and support its members by developing training and enhanced services as well as providing operational resources to support the hire industry.’
He added: ‘The board would also like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank Graham Arundell for delaying his retirement, in order to support the Association during the pandemic. We are pleased to confirm that he will continue in a part-time position for the remainder of the current fiscal year to ensure that a seamless transition of leadership occurs.’
Commenting on his appointment, Mr Gaze (pictured) said: ‘I’m thrilled to be named as the new CEO designate and eager to continue the advancement of the business strategy and specific services within that. Such proactivity, especially in these unprecedented times, for the tool, plant & equipment board, event equipment board and supply chain industry board will be critical to the Associations’ support of their members.’
