Chairman of ISSA's European Council appointed

ISSA has appointed Michel de Bruin as chairman of its European Council, taking over from Andrew Dunning who has served in the post for the past three years.

Michel de Bruin, who is CEO of Greenspeed b.v., has been an active advocate of ISSA over the past few years, first as the representative on the European Council for the Benelux region and latterly as vice-chair.

“I am truly honoured to take on the role of chairman,” said de Bruin. “My own commercial background in the industry has helped me understand what the members need or want. From my richly-rewarding involvement with the association to date, I also know the variety of services, resources and connections that ISSA can offer. I therefore look forward to being the bridge between current and future members, their businesses and the ISSA.”

The new chairman says he has three main goals for his time as chairman. “First will be to bring the world of cleaning together through organising network events for members and potential members at both a regional and international level,” he said. “My aim is to get the members more connected with each other, jointly discussing and strategising the kind of trends, challenges and business opportunities that are common to all in our industry. These events will also give the association the chance to showcase the many tools and resources that ISSA offers to help its members develop their business.'

He also wants to promote ISSA, and the professional cleaning sector to other industries, such as leisure or foodservice, where hygiene and cleanliness is of paramount importance.

“My third goal is to freshen up and invigorate the cleaning industry by making it an attractive career choice for students and other talented individuals,” he continued. “Our industry has so much to offer and young people must be made more aware of this. They should understand that our industry can offer a real and desirable career path and that it presents such a fantastic opportunity for them to develop their professional, inter-personal and life skills.”
De Bruin also thanked his predecessor, Andrew Dunning, and said: “I want to thank Andrew for the fantastic work he has done for ISSA Europe leading the council over the past three years. He has lead the council through some interesting and exciting times and is universally respected for his leadership and management skills.”

ISSA director of EMEA services, Dianna Steinbach, said: “I am delighted to welcome Michel to the position of chairman of the ISSA European Council and look forward to working with him. His energy and passion for the industry will be invaluable as we make ISSA more active and visible throughout Europe. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Andrew Dunning for his contribution and commitment to ISSA during his time as chairman of the European Council. He has been a wonderful ambassador for the association. He will continue to represent ISSA and our UK members in his new capacity as the ISSA Industrial Cleaning Machinery Manufacturers Association (ICMMA) representative to the British Cleaning Council.”