The Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) has announced that current ASFP CEO Steve Davies to step down to take up a new challenge with Corrosion Resistant Products Ltd, a division of Indutrade. The association’s Business Manager Mike Ward will be taking over as the Association’s new Managing Director.

Davies is moving on having led the Association through a period of huge development and growth over the last two years, putting down strong foundations for the future. He has presided over the largest growth in membership in the history of the Association, amounting to an increase of over 42%. Steve also put in place new resources and structures to further develop the ASFP training, events and other membership services.

He said: “I am proud to have led the ASFP through such a period of rapid change. Having had the opportunity to be involved in developing the Association’s strategy for 2023-25, I am confident that the Association will continue to meet the growing expectations of ASFP Members and the wider the passive fire sector.

“By handing on the baton to Mike, I know that the Association will remain in safe hands. I would like to thank the ASFP Council and Members of the various technical groups for their support and participation and I wish Mike and the entire ASFP team every success in the future.

“I am leaving the ASFP at an exciting time, given that ASFP will be moving into new premises with additional training capacity, which will further assist in meeting the demand of the industry.”

Ward joined the ASFP as its Business Manager in 2019 and has been fully involved in supporting the Association’s development, taking forward many initiatives on the ground.

Commenting on the news, Ward said: “I feel privileged to be given the opportunity to lead the ASFP and want to thank Steve for his diligent and expert leadership over the last two years; the Association is indeed stronger for it.

“We intend to continue the Association on this trajectory of growth, increasing membership and improving membership diversity. I am also keen to further improve skills and knowledge in passive fire protection and will continue development of the ASFP training and competency offerings. We will build on the value of ASFP membership through adding member benefits; creating new technical support assets and improving ASFP’s reach and influence.

“I will also seek to increase ASFP technical and regulatory support through the publication of best practice guidance documents in a series of new product sectors and trades, related to passive fire protection.”

Davies will remain involved with the ASFP as a non-Executive Director on the Executive Board, providing continued support and advice to Ward and the team.