SIA Appoints New Chair

The Stove Industry Alliance (SIA), the industry membership organisation for manufacturers, suppliers, retailers and stakeholders of the wood burning stove industry, is pleased to announce the appointment of Andy Hill as its new, indpendent chair.

Andy has worked in the UK organics and alternative fuels sectors for over 17 years, with 9 years spent at SUEZ recycling and recovery UK where his focus was on the commercial development of alternative fuels for a range of markets.

Following his successful career at SUEZ, Andy set up his own consultancy business, Cynosure Partners, and he is also the deputy chairman of the Wood Recyclers’ Association, which represents both UK producers and European energy and panel board consumers, along with non-executive chair roles for Gavin Griffiths Group and RPM Plant, and as a senior advisor for N+P.

Andy, who takes over the role from outgoing chair Morley Sage, was formally introduced to members of the SIA at its AGM last week where Andy commented:

“I am delighted to be joining the SIA and it is already clear to me what a well organised, energetic and enthusiastic industry association it is. All its members are passionate about promoting the many benefits of wood burning stoves as low carbon, low emission, sustainable heating solutions,  that have a key role to play in the UK’s drive towards net zero. It is both an exciting and challenging time for the sector and I look forward to rolling up my sleeves, meeting as many industry stakeholders as possible and continuing to build on the great work of the SIA to further embed it as the ‘voice of the industry’.”

Vice chair of the SIA, Hugh Wells of Charnwood stoves added:

“This is an exciting time for our industry as we see Ecodesign regulations come into force in January. Much of our industry got into the stove business because we care passionately about improving our environment, and we are now developing stoves that will be part of the solution to poor air quality while reducing our reliance on fossil fuels. It was vital that we found a chair to communicate this message clearly and build on the vision and leadership of Morley, to whom we are most grateful.”

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