Hardware Association Ireland has announced that it has appointed Wavin’s Irish Country Director Michael O’Donohoe as its new President.

Michael joined Wavin in 2008 and was part of the senior management team that steered the pipe manufacturer through the last recession, bringing it back to strong growth.

He was appointed Country Director at Wavin in 2014 and now manages the company’s operations in Ireland.

According to Michael, his immediate priority for Hardware Association Ireland is to help firms through the current uncertainties. “My priority is to ensure that Hardware Association Ireland continues to provide the supports and training for businesses seeking to navigate the key issues of Covid-19 and Brexit. It is important we continue to grow our membership and engage with Government on issues that matter to the hardware and building materials sector.”

Among Michael’s longer term goals is a drive to improve quality standards in the building materials and construction sector: ‘’Building Control Authorities are badly under-resourced, and we have a great chance now to get the sector into a better space for the future,” he added.

Hardware Association Ireland is the representative body for Irish hardware and DIY retailers, builders’ merchants, distributors, and manufacturers. It represents over 400 members nationwide and 26,000 staff in the sector.