Dr Howard Porter has been appointed chief operating officer of the British Electrochemical and Allied Manufacturers Association (BEAMA).
Dr Porter moves from his previous role as BEAMA marketing director, while continuing as managing director of European Smart Metering Industry Group.

Dr Porter said: "With UK and worldwide governments evolving global policies regarding many aspects of our member businesses, the implications of climate change, global business, new technologies and counterfeit products, means these are challenging times for British manufacturers of electrical products.

"I'm looking forward to driving BEAMA into a new era and developing even closer strategic relationships with our electrical sector peers. We will kick start our proactive approach to tackling climate change by hosting an industry strategy roundtable in 2009."

Association director Kelly Butler replaces Dr Porter as marketing director.