New PPMA Chairman appointed
The Processing & Packaging Machinery Association (PPMA) has announced the appointment of James Causebrook as chairman. James Causebrook, Managing Director at Grunwald UK, was elected to the Board of Directors in 2018, and has held the vice-chairman role throughout 2022. With over 15 years of valuable experience in business, James is sure to hit the ground running, he knows what it takes to lead a team and exceed its targets; however, the new year will see him firmly in place as the new chairman of PPMA.
James and the PPMA would like to reflect on the outstanding job that out-going Chair, David Barber has done in the last two years, facing unprecedented challenges, especially throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. David Barber was elected to the PPMA board of directors in 2017, and appointed as PPMA chairman in 2020, well-known for implementing successful projects and reaching target objectives. David’s experience and cool head allowed PPMA to weather the harshest of storms and adversity through those lockdown years, and against all odds he saw PPMA grow its membership and help plan for its future.
David’s background aligns strongly with the PPMA’s ethos, and his chairmanship has had a strong impact on staff and members alike. David held that digital technology would have a greater role to play in how the Group engages with its members and the positive impact it can have on business efficiencies, going on to say “The world is changing, business is changing, and we need to make sure that the PPMA Group of Associations is equipped and flexible in its approach to serve all those it supports,”
It was a recipe for success. In September 2022 PPMA Total Show 2022 went ahead and was a resounding hit amongst exhibitors and visitors alike. David had ensured that the show was back on track, a truly great achievement.
Using the infrastructure that David has helped to put in place, the new chair will be looking to hone the efforts of PPMA members and staff to ensure that the association continues to offer members the valuable support needed for them to sell products and services, all the while encouraging new, and existing members to take full advantage of their membership.
James Causebrook, PPMA chairman, said: “David has helped the association through some of its toughest moments, moments none of us will forget, so I will be looking to continue that good work with another successful show in 2023 and equally successful publications. I believe that our members want an association that speaks up for them and is there to help them improve their business, so building vital links and connections with our affiliate partners will be of paramount importance.”
Out-going PPMA chairman, David Barber commented: “James will be a fantastic chairman, having worked closely with him over these last two years developing future strategy, he brings a continuity of leadership in his own unique style. I am totally confident he will continue to build the strategy and deliver strong execution closely aligned to generating greater member benefits and value whilst serving the wider needs of the industries our members serve. As Deputy Chairman I will continue to work closely with the PPMA Group of Associations, supporting James, the Board of Directors and the PPMA executive to ultimately fulfill its vision and mission, Support our members to sell more products and services.”
PPMA now represents over 550 members and has become the voice of the processing and packaging machinery industry in the UK.
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Pictured (from left): Out-going PPMA chairman, David Barber and James Causebrook, PPMA chairman.
