PDA Chief Executive marks 10 years in role

A Yorkshire businessman has marked 10 years as Chief Executive of a national trade body.

Neil Ogilvie was appointed Chief Executive of the Painting and Decorating Association (PDA) in 2011.

The former painter and decorator from Wakefield spent 33 years ‘on the tools’ at the family business which had been a member of the PDA since the 1960s.

Following acquisition of the family business, Neil, 60, personally joined the PDA in 1987, going on to serve as Wakefield Branch President and North-East Regional President before taking the role of National President in 2009.

It was in December of 2009 that he also stepped in as Acting Chief Executive, being formally appointed to the role in July 2011.

Since then, the Association has kept pace with rapid change and innovation in the sector, with new emphasis on apprenticeships, training and sustainability as well as navigating the digital revolution and embracing new technologies, techniques, and products.

Neil said: “My experience in the trade has been invaluable in this role, and while I had to give up the family business to commit to the PDA fulltime, I’ve never regretted it.

“The PDA is the UK’s largest trade body for the sector and as an Association, we are there to support our members, build stronger links across the industry and promote the PDA as the first port of call for consumers looking for a trusted route to a professional painter and decorator.

“We’ve achieved incredible things over the past decade and there is more that we’ve got planned going forward.

“I’m proud to have served the Association for the last 10 years and grateful to work with a fantastic team on behalf of our members and their clients across the UK.”

For more information, or to join the PDA, visit: paintingdecoratingassociation.co.uk