Dr Powell will be taking the reins from Gordon Ewbank – who gave notice at the July WPA board meeting, of his intention to retire at the end of 2023. Mr Ewbank has served the WPA and the timber treatment industry for many years and the organisation wishes him all the best for his future retirement.

In 2019, after 21 years as a formulation chemist at a leading timber treatment company, Dr Powell started his own consulting business (Prenwell Consulting). Over those years, his work included: EU Biocidal Products Regulation; extensive FR testing projects; and microemulsion and emulsion product developments. 

His expertise lies in getting products to market, which involves intensive research and data collection, particularly fire test data, which stands him in good stead for his roles at the WPA.

Over the next few weeks Dr Powell and Mr Ewbank will be working together for a smooth transition. Dr Powell is highly experienced in wood protection technology and his WPA management team colleagues are looking forward to working with him.

Dr Powell’s role will include the following:

  • to act as chair of the WPA FR Committee;
  • to prepare summary reports on FR matters for delivery to the WPA board of directors;
  • to keep members of the WPA up to date with standards, regulations and any other matters that could affect the market for FR treated wood, products, and processes;
  • to act as the spokesperson on FR treated wood and wood-based materials in internal and external communications and at WPA events;
  • to continue to be part of the WPA Benchmark audit team.