04.02.2020

HAE CEO to retire

Graham Arundell, chief executive of the Hire Association Europe (HAE) and Event Hire Association (EHA), has announced plans of his full retirement after 13 years with the association.

Arundell joined HAE in 2007 and is credited with turning around an organisation in decline in terms of membership and funds. In 2009, he separated the HAE and EHA in order to create a dedicated organisation to represent rental companies and suppliers associated with events sector. He also led the development of the association’s SafeHire and HITS schemes into the industry.

Arundell reduced his hours last June, as part of a restructuring process in which the HAE operations were split into two divisions under Rupert Douglas-Jones and Carl Bartlett. He is now taking the next step and standing down at the end of April, but will remain as a consultant for up to 12 months to help with the transition to a new chief executive.
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Arundell will step down after 13 years with the association

Arundell said: “I was advised at the outset that the role would be challenging, and that was part of the attraction. It’s certainly lived up to that but I have had some great experiences and opportunities meeting lots of people along the way that will remain life long friends. I have thoroughly enjoyed the role at HAE EHA and although it has been very demanding, it’s been extremely rewarding as well. I’ve found the hire sector a really interesting and welcoming industry and will genuinely miss the people and the job.”

Brian Sherlock, HAE chairman, added: “Graham has not only made a valued and sustained contribution to the HAE, he has also had a significant influence within the hire sector. His drive and relentless enthusiasm coupled with strong leadership and networking skills has driven real change within the association - on behalf of the former and current directors of the tool and equipment, event hire and supplier boards, thank you.”