The American Hardware Manufacturers Association (AHMA) has announced that vice chairman of the board William P. Farrell has retired after 30 years of service.
Mr Farrell will now assume the title of vice chairman emeritus, remaining on the board as a lifetime honorary member and continuing to represent the association at various industry events.

He joined the AHMA in 1980 as executive director, became president and ceo in 1987 and assumed the role of vice chairman of the board in 2004.

Prior to joining the association, Mr Farrell spent 23 years in the industry press, editing publications such as Hardware Age and Hardware Merchandiser.

Whilst at the AHMA, his achievements included launching the EAGLE magazine in 1982 and organizing the first AHMA/USA Pavilion at the Cologne Fair in 1983, the first of many around the world.

AHMA chairman of the board Donald D. Dray said: "I can think of no other individual who has contributed as much for so many years, not only to the association, but to the hardware/home improvement industry as a whole. Bill Farrell, both personally and professionally, has dedicated himself for over 50 years to making the hardware/home improvement industry a stronger and better industry. The effects of his efforts will continue to contribute to the success of the industry for many years to come."