IAI appoints new chairman in the Gulf States

The Institute of Architectural Ironmongers (IAI) has appointed Mike Lumsden, general manager of Lorient Gulf LLC, as the new chairman for the GCC branch.

Mike will coordinate the activities of the IAI in the United Arab Emirates, including its role in supporting students studying for the GAI Diploma – the only recognised programme in the world which leads to a qualification in architectural ironmongery to British and European standards.

Mike has over 20 years’ experience in senior management roles in the door hardware industry, having previously worked with Al Misnad Group in Qatar for 17 years prior to his position at Lorient.

He commented on his appointment: “Developers, contractors and specifiers in the Gulf are faced with a cornucopia of different hardware standards from the UK and Europe, USA and Far East. It’s very challenging to find a robust specification and architectural ironmongery schedule that genuinely meets the right quality standards on issues such as fire safety, accessibility or acoustics.

Registered Architectural Ironmongers and IAI members within the GCC are a vital source of authoritative guidance for these clients. Our presence in the market raises the bar, and provides support to those who have to take responsibility for the building’s performance.

I’m looking forward to building on this momentum and the excellent foundations laid by Adam Taylor, getting our existing and future members more actively involved in the branch.”

First established in 2013, the IAI’s GCC branch has 33 members. The branch organises a schedule of quarterly meetings for the benefit of its members, providing opportunities to learn, network and socialise, as well as CPDs.

Membership is open to individuals who hold GAI Diploma’s, students on the GAI education programme and experienced practitioners of the architectural ironmongery trade.

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