The Guild of Architectural Ironmongers (GAI) has appointed Neil Fisher as its new Director.
Neil’s career has over 20 years of senior management experience in education, training and membership organisations in the public, private and not-for-profit sectors in the UK and internationally. He has extensive higher education experience having managed MSC, PhD programmes, professional short courses and apprenticeships.
His most recent role was director of business development at NCC Resources, a commercial learning development organisation, where he was involved in developing and managing in-house and external courses in the UK and Europe. Prior to this he had roles as director of membership, education and training at TOPRA, the organisation for healthcare professionals in regulatory affairs, and as chief executive of the Work Force Development Consortium.
His experience is particularly relevant to the Guild which has been providing an education, qualification and CPD programme for people who work in and around the architectural ironmongery industry since 1961. It delivers the only recognised programme in the world that leads to a qualification in architectural ironmongery to British and European standards.
Learners on the GAI education programme in 2015/16 have come from 27 different countries, with 47% of them based outside the UK. Particularly high numbers of qualifications have been noted this year from South Africa, Dubai and Hong Kong.
One of Neil Fisher’s earliest duties will be the presentation of the GAI’s Education Awards on 2 November. He takes over the GAI’s most senior executive role from Gary Amer who had led the GAI for the last nine years.
Maria Powell, president of the GAI, said:
“Neil’s expertise will be really good for the Guild in our bid to expand our education reach and our portfolio of education products. With a strong track record of leading membership organisations too, we believe Neil will help drive our business plan forward, as well as creating enhanced value for GAI members.
“Neil also has direct experience in many of the international markets in which we actively engage through both our Institute of Architectural Ironmongers (IAI) branches and through students taking our diploma course. He joins us at a very exciting time.”
Neil Fisher said:
“The respect and prestige that the GAI has created so far with its education programme in the UK and internationally is really exceptional, and provides a strong base upon which we can build even greater value for members and increased impact across the globe. I am really looking forward to meeting the members and to achieving even greater recognition for the high levels of professionalism and expertise within this industry.”