FIS names Helen Gawor as chief executive and elects new board

The Finishes and Interiors Sector (FIS) has appointed Helen Gawor as its new chief executive from January 2027, announcing the appointment on 22 October alongside the results of its annual board election.

The appointment follows a statement from current chief executive Iain McIlwee in August that he would step down later this year after eight years in the role. FIS said at the time that the search for his replacement had begun.

The trade body said Gawor would work with the board and the FIS team to deliver its strategic objectives, represent members and address industry challenges.

Helen Gawor, incoming FIS chief executive officer, said: "My priority will be to support them in building resilient businesses, demonstrating their value and competence, and turning this into real competitive advantage."

She added that FIS would continue "working with government, clients and the wider industry to drive fairer procurement, contract and payment practices", which she said were fundamental to improving productivity and raising standards.

New president and board

The announcement also marked a change of presidency. Justin Devaney of contractor member Platt & Reilly has taken up the role for a two-year term, with Lucia Di Stazio of Encon Group becoming vice president. Ian Strangward of Architectural Wallsz is listed as immediate past president.

Members elected three contractor candidates to the board: Mick Dillon of OCL Facades, Andrew Measom of Measom Dryline and Hamanvir Manak of Stanmore. The three elected supplier candidates are Sharon Baker of Avonside Supplies, Richard Mason of Saint-Gobain Interior Solutions – British Gypsum and Craig Newman of CCF.

They join existing directors Jim Brennan of Nova Plasterboard Systems, Richard Grimes of Grimes Finishings and Elizabeth McDermott of QuickFix Profiles, as well as Devaney, Di Stazio and Strangward.

FIS said the election gives members a say in the leadership of the organisation and ensures the board reflects the priorities of the membership. Voting papers were issued in the week starting 7 September, with votes due by 5pm on 9 October. FIS had said results would be announced at its annual general meeting on 22 October at Whittlebury Park in Towcester.

FIS describes itself as member led and governed by an elected board that sets its policy and direction. Elections are held each year, with the body seeking both contractor and supplier members to join the board.

Background

McIlwee's appointment as chief executive was announced on 1 July 2018, when he took over from David Frise. He had previously been chief executive officer of the British Woodworking Federation since 2011.

In his August statement, McIlwee said: "later this year I will be handing that responsibility on to someone new."

FIS was formed in 2015 from the merger of the Association of Interior Specialists (AIS) and the Federation of Plastering and Drywall Contractors (FPDC). It describes itself as the not-for-profit representative body for the UK finishes and interiors sector, which it puts at £12bn in annual turnover and a workforce of 250,000 people.

The body says it has more than 600 members drawn from contractors, manufacturers and distributors. Gawor takes up the post in January 2027.