Dr Paul Stollard appointed as new chair of the Institution of Fire Engineers

Global professional body, the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE), has announced the appointment of their new Chair and Trustee Director, Dr Paul Stollard CEng, MIFireE, RegArch, PhD, BArch, BA, who has led and gained extensive experience over the course of four decades in the fields of both architecture and fire engineering.

Having dedicated his career to advocating fire safety standards and procedures, Paul has been instrumental in overhauling Scottish Building Standards and served as the agency’s initial Chief Executive.

In 2006, he was awarded the Peter Stone Award as recognition of his dedication to the building sector.

As Dr Stollard’s responsibilities will extend globally, he eagerly anticipates leveraging his skill set to effect international change for our members.

Global ambitions for fire safety improvement

Dr Stollard’s career in fire safety began over 40 years ago when he first completed the IFE’s membership exam whilst conducting research at Edinburgh University.

Originally training as an architect, he later specialised in Fire Safety Engineering, acquiring several qualifications including a PhD focused on ‘the integration of fire safety into the process of architectural design’.

Commenting on his new post, Dr Stollard said: “I really am thrilled to be joining the IFE in the capacity of both Chair and Trustee Director; with a background in design and fire engineering, I’m eager to collaborate with members and industry stakeholders across the globe to drive positive change within the fire safety space.”

Community engagement and consultancy

Outside of the office, Paul has actively engaged with various aspects of fire safety and community service, he spent four years as a Regional Director with the Health and Safety Executive and chaired the expert review panel into Scottish building fire safety standards following the Grenfell Tower fire.

Paul currently serves on the Board of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and is providing fire engineering consultancy related to Grenfell Tower.

IFE CEO comments on the appointment

Commenting on Dr Stollard’s appointment, CEO of the IFE, Steve Hamm, added: “As we welcome Paul to the IFE, his extensive expertise, together with his passion to the profession and communities make him an excellent addition to the IFE and the wider sector.

This is huge year for the institution and Paul will play a key role in bringing many underlying projects to fruition”.

He will officially begin his three-year tenure from Monday 1^st April.

IFSJ Comment

The appointment of Dr Paul Stollard as Chair and Trustee Director of the Institution of Fire Engineers marks a significant development in the global fire safety community.

Dr Stollard’s distinguished career in both architecture and fire engineering positions him uniquely to lead the IFE towards its goals of international collaboration and improvement of fire safety standards.

His background, encompassing both practical experience and academic research, provides the IFE with a leader capable of navigating the complexities of fire safety in the modern world.

As the IFE embarks on this new chapter, the fire safety sector anticipates the positive changes and innovations that Dr Stollard’s leadership will bring.

This appointment underscores the importance of multidisciplinary expertise in advancing fire safety and building standards globally, reflecting a collective effort towards a safer future.