Jonathan Swift has retired from his position as general secretary of the International Federation of Hardware and Housewares Associations (aka the International Hardware Association).
Mr Swift officially stepped down at the group's 2011 meeting earlier this month, handing management of the association to president and ceo of the North American Retail Hardware Association Bill Lee.

Mr Swift served as IHA general secretary for 16 years and was also the British Hardware Federation ceo from 1986 until 2005 when he was succeeded by current ceo Alan Hawkins.