David French takes on chief exec role at BHETA

David French is to become chief executive officer of the British Home Enhancement Trade Association.

Currently president, he will take on the role as of January 1 next year. The ceo position has been empty since Allen Johnson’s departure at the end of December 2006.

BHETA says the role been redefined by the board in the past year, and that both internal and external candidates were considered for the job. French received a unanimous vote from the board.

“We’ve made tremendous progress in the past year and fundamentally restructured the association to better provide for members’ interests in terms of the quality of service, support and representation they receive,” commented French. “I’m delighted to be able to stay involved in the process of realising the association’s enormous potential.”

French sold his housewares business The Tabletop Group earlier this year.

French’s move within BHETA has necessitated a second change at the association, which sees current treasurer, and managing director of Isaac Lord, Andrew Weiss, taking on the role of president-elect from January 1. This role will be ratified at the association’s agm in May.