Paul Sheppard of HMG Paints has been announced as the new President of The Oil & Colour Chemists’ Association (OCCA). OCCA is a professional body, internationally recognised as one of the leading technical organisations for individuals from the coatings & allied sectors. It is a growing body of more than 800 members, which provides both locally-based networking potential and a much wider interaction opportunity with members from around the world.

Paul officially took over from Graham Armstrong at the OCCA AGM which was held as a ‘hybrid’ event at Imperial War Museum North in Salford Quays. One of Pauls first appointments in his new role will be on a panel discussion at the UK Chemical Industries Supply Chain Expo where he will be discussing Product Realisation & Commercialisation.

“I am truly honoured to be taking on the Presidency of the Oil and Colour Chemists Association. We have a brilliant team in place of dynamic volunteers and contractors, and I am looking forward to working with them and continuing the excellent work we have been doing over the past three years under the strong leadership of our past President, Graham Armstrong.” Paul added “I am excited and very optimistic of a bright future for our Association, and I relish the challenges we will face as a cohesive team working with all our stakeholders to build on our strong position within the industry and deliver on “inspiring colour futures”.”

Steve Crossman, Chief Operating Officer of HMG Paints said of the appointment, “Everyone at HMG is incredibly proud of Paul and his appointment as OCCA President. Paul has been a key member of the HMG Team over the last 25 years and we couldn’t think of anyone better for this role, we know his drive and passion will help with the development of OCCA and its members.”

Within HMG Paints, Paul has recently taken over the role of Regulation and Compliance Manager. Utilising his extensive technical knowledge and industry wide contacts, Paul has been integral in ensuring compliance to new Brexit legislations along with managing the company’s response to raw material challenges presented by the COVID pandemic.

To find out more about The Oil & Colour Chemists’ Association (OCCA) visit, www.occa.org.uk.

Pictured: Paul Sheppard with John Falder, Chairman and Steve Crossman COO