IOR Names Four Honorary Fellows

THE INSTITUTE OF ROOFING (IOR) has named four honorary fellows in recognition of their long-standing service and outstanding contribution to the roofing industry.

The honorary fellowships have been awarded worldwide to Detlef Stauch, Peter Plum, Reid Ribble and Dr Bill Chan.

IoR Honorary Fellows

Detlef lives in Germany and has worked in the roofing industry for more than four decades. As a qualified civil engineer and ‘roofing master’ he first worked for the German Roofing Association and recently retired as the General Secretary and Director of the International Federation for the Roofing Trade (IFD) where he spent 24 years.

Based in South Africa, Peter joined the Master Builders Association, Western Cape, in 1959 and served as its president in 1980/81. Throughout his long career, he has achieved several accolades and authored a number of books. Although now in his nineties, he remains active in the roofing industry in South Africa through his own company and supporting others.

Reid Ribble owned and ran a commercial and residential roofing company in America for 28 years. During that time, he was vice-president and president of the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA). In 2009, he sold his roofing company and served as a congressman in Washington before being appointed CEO of the NRCA in 2017.

Also in his nineties, Bill Chan is a chartered civil and structural engineer and is still serving the sector. As well as playing a key role in bringing together the Chinese and UK roofing industries, he has led the development of UK, European, and US standards since 1972. In 2019, he was awarded the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) pin of honour at the IFD congress for his services to the roofing industry.

Exceptional Dedication

Graeme Millar, board director at the Institute of Roofing, said: “All four honorary fellows have made massive contributions to the roofing industry and are still doing so. Their dedication is truly exceptional, and this has had a positive impact both in the UK and right across the world.

“The decision to award these individuals honorary fellowships received unanimous backing of the IOR board, demonstrating the high esteem that each hold in our wonderful industry.”

Stuart Hicks, CEO of the IOR, added: “It is fantastic to see honorary fellowships being awarded across four different continents and to people who have demonstrated some of the strongest and most impressive skills across our industry. Their valued contributions have helped to shape standards and enhance professionalism in the UK and internationally.”