UK Laundry Association Names New Chief
The Textile Services Association (TSA), the British association of wet and dry cleaners and textile rental companies, recently named Philip Wright as the United Kingdom laundry group’s new chief executive. He is a 20-year veteran of trade association work, with a particular focus on strategy, regulation and public affairs.
He succeeds interim CEO Roger Salman who served since January 2015 and will assist with the transition.
“I’m delighted that Philip has joined the TSA as our new chief executive,” said Julian Carr, chairman of the TSA board and operations director, hospitality, Berendsen PLC. “I also want to thank Roger for his excellent stewardship as interim CEO. With Philip’s appointment, we have a real opportunity to raise the profile of our services to our customers, supply partners and in the wider commercial environment. It’s also important that, from the current foundations, we can increase awareness of our role and ensure value for the investment and commitment our members to the TSA.”
Wright worked in the 1990s for the Confederation for British Industry, the premier pro-industry lobbying/education group in the United Kingdom. Later, he held senior director posts in the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry, Glaxo Wellcome and was the chief executive of the Physiological Society, where he successfully implemented a new strategic plan, negotiated a major, multi-million-pound publishing contract and raised the group’s profile over a five-year period.
Wright said, “I’m delighted to be joining the TSA: this is a big industry that is critical to so many sectors across the UK. We have a real opportunity to raise the industry’s profile and increase the influence of the TSA with government and Parliament.”
During his career, Wright has influenced legislation and rules in Parliament and in the European Union. He’s published various reports that government agencies have adopted in their policies. He also has initiated a number of collaborative initiatives in the trade associations where he’s worked.
Salman, a longtime launderer, has overseen the association during the search for a successor to Murray Simpson, 48, who died in a car accident on Nov. 25, 2014.
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