West-Yorkshire based Venari Group – the emergency vehicle specialist – has announced the appointment of a renowned industry name into its firefighting division.
John Purdy joins Venari as sales manager this month, with 33 years of military, aviation and municipal firefighting experience. Having spent the past 14 years as station manager at Newcastle International Airport (NCL),
John has been responsible for fire crew, emergency planning, commercial training and business development for the airport’s training academy.
He is also well-known for his four-year role as chair of the Airport Fire Officers Association (AFOA).
Recruited for his breadth of industry knowledge and experience, John’s appointment coincides with Venari’s manufacturing partnership with global giant, Ziegler Group, which will see Venari manufacturing Ziegler’s highly-anticipated new air crash truck upon launch.
Mr Purdy commented on his new role: “I’ve been lucky enough to have an amazing 33 years in the military, aviation and municipal firefighting sectors. During the past five years,I’ve enjoyed my sales role as Newcastle International Airport’s commercial training manager. I fully intended on driving growth in the role for another 15 years, but when the most exciting company in the firefighting truck and equipment market knocked on my door,
so to speak, I couldn’t turn it down.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity to work with a team of highly passionate and skilled workers who will be building the highest quality, technologically advanced and environmentally efficient fire appliances.
“Our partnership with global giant Ziegler gives an unrivalled combination of their current IP and our ability to build to the highest of standards whilst delivering outstanding levels of customer service. With the introduction of a new ARFF appliance in the very near future it’s an exciting time to be joining.”
The appointment bolsters Venari’s experience within the Group, after recent technical and production appointments of key, experienced industry professionals.
Venari Group CEO, Oliver North, added: “I’ve worked with John as both a supplier and a customer for over a decade. His attention to detail, work ethic and personable demeanour are critical elements of what I believe a good sales manager should encompass. Add into this his comprehensive experience and I’m confident he will prove to be an instrumental
part of Venari’s growth at a time where we will do more than our ‘fair share’ of contributing to British manufacturing.
“Next, we’re looking to work intensely with our local technical colleges as we educate and bring on the next crop of industry talent to ensure the legacy of British emergency vehicle building can continue to the fullest.”
