Bob Vereen has retired from the Worldwide DIY Council, an association of active US and Canadian exporters, after more than 30 years.
Mr Vereen joined the group as executive secretary when it consisted of a dozen members and built it up to a membership of nearly 150 at its peak.

Under his direction, the association began sponsoring group pavilions at trade shows in emerging markets such as Poland's BUDMA and Mexico's Expo Nacional Ferretera, as well as in established DIY markets such as the UK and France. Last year, the council had a group pavilion at the International Hardware Fair in Cologne for the first time.

After nearly 20 years as executive secretary, Mr Vereen continued to serve the organisation as director emeritus, and his final role was as director of communications.

He will continue to be active in the industry, primarily writing for international trade magazines about the US and Canadian hardware industry.