New CEO to Lead the Institute of Roofing

THE INSTITUTE OF ROOFING (IOR) has appointed Kay Rose, FIoR as its new chief executive officer (CEO).

With more than 20 years’ experience of the construction industry, Kay has been an IOR board member for 5 years and was Vice Chair from 2018 to 2020.  She will begin her new role on 1 September 2021.

Speaking about her appointment, and plans for the IOR, Kay said: “As a former board member, I have a good understanding of what the IOR wants to achieve and I am looking forward to dedicating more of my time to delivering these aims.

Key Priorities

“One of my priorities is to make sure the IOR is seen as approachable and accessible to everyone in the roofing industry. I feel there could still be a perception that only certain people can join trade bodies and that needs to change.  No matter what role someone has, I want them to know there is a place for them at the Institute and members at all levels are supported to build structured career paths.

“The merchant sector is a key target in this respect. IOR membership offers many benefits to those working in distribution who are regularly providing roofing advice. I want to clearly promote that message while enhancing the training opportunities available to ensure everyone involved in roofing can improve their knowledge and career prospects.

“A continued focus on quality will also be important to ensure the different levels of membership are adhered to. At the same, I will be looking at how we could make the process clearer and more attainable.”

Institute of Roofing New CEO

Matthew Fry, Chair of the IOR, added: “I have worked with Kay for a number of years on the IOR board and she has all the right qualities to succeed in this new role.

“Anyone who knows Kay, knows how passionate she is about the roofing industry and helping people to train, learn, and enhance their prospects. Her passion, drive and approachable nature, combined with her vast knowledge of the Institute, mean she is perfectly placed to lead the IOR and help us achieve our aims.”

Roofing Experience

Originally from a music background, Kay changed career to move into construction. After gaining experience working for a national builders’ merchant and then a flooring manufacturer, she joined Axter in 2005. In 2015, she was promoted to operations manager for the company’s commercial division in UK and Ireland.

In the same year, Kay successfully completed the IOR Management and Technician course with flat roofing reinforced bitumen membranes as her chosen discipline. Achieving three distinctions and the top mark, Kay was named the IOR’s Student of the Year.

In 2017, Kay joined EagleView to help launch its business into the UK roofing market. After spending two years at the company, she joined the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) most recently as regional manager for the London and Southern counties region.