Door & Hardware Federation (DHF) has announced the appointment of Patricia Sowsbery-Stevens as its new Chief Executive Officer, following the retirement of Bob Perry.
Patricia takes up the role after more than ten years with the federation, during which she has played a leading role in its growth and development.
Since joining DHF in 2015 as UK Marketing Manager, she has progressed through a number of senior leadership positions, including Commercial Manager, Head of Commercial Operations, Commercial Director and, most recently, Deputy CEO.
A Chartered Marketer and Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Marketing, Patricia has helped shape many of DHF's most significant achievements over the past decade. She has led the federation's rebrand, expanded its industry-leading training and qualifications, introduced CSCS card schemes and played a key role in developing industry competence frameworks. Her work has strengthened DHF's position as the leading trade association representing the UK's door, gate, shutter and building hardware industries.
As CEO, Patricia will lead the federation's strategic direction, working closely with the Board, Executive Committee, members and industry partners to continue raising standards across the sector through technical guidance, training, advocacy and member support.
"Whilst we are very sorry that Bob Perry is standing down as the DHF CEO, we are delighted to appoint a very capable successor,” explains Chairman of DHF, Paul Browne. “Patricia has played a central role in the development of DHF over the past few years in terms of the growth of our membership and the range of services and benefits that the DHF offers its members. Given her outstanding track record and knowledge of DHF she is very well placed to lead the growth and development of DHF in the future. We wish Patricia every success in her new role, which she so deserves."
"I am absolutely delighted to be taking on the role of CEO at DHF,” says Patricia. “Having been part of the federation for more than a decade, I know first-hand the difference we make to our members and to the industries we represent. It is a real privilege to lead such a knowledgeable and dedicated team. Our purpose remains clear; to help businesses succeed while raising standards across the industry. We will continue to champion competence, professionalism and compliance, expanding our training and qualifications to meet the changing needs of the sector. We already deliver training that aligns with BS 8670-1 and the National Occupational Standards, and I look forward to building on that work as we support the development of BS 8670-2 and continue helping both individuals and businesses demonstrate the highest standards of competence.
"The industry is changing rapidly, with increasing expectations around safety, compliance and professional standards. DHF is well placed to support our members through those changes, and I am excited about the opportunities ahead. I look forward to working closely with our Board, our members, our partners and the wider industry as we continue to strengthen the federation and build on the excellent foundations already in place."
Under Patricia's leadership, DHF will continue its commitment to supporting members through trusted technical advice, accredited training, industry guidance and advocacy, while helping drive higher standards of competence, safety and professionalism across the UK's door, gate, shutter and building hardware sectors.
