BM TRADA Certification has appointed Tom Johnston to lead its new Technical Development Department, formed to improve client support by expanding the portfolio of schemes offered and by enhancing staff development.

Mr Johnston was formerly general manager of BM TRADA Middle East in Dubai.

He trained as a metallurgist and gained experience in quality control and quality assurance in the UK before moving into certification, working for BSI and LRQA in Europe, Australia and the Middle East. He then became quality, health and safety and environment director for a major project development and construction company in Dubai.

Other new appointments in the department include Rafal Andruszkiewicz as chain of custody manager (timber-based products); Sophie Phanor as food certification manager; and Moira Towler, who has joined the team from BM TRADA Middle East, as technical development co-ordinator.

The aims of the new Technical Development Department are to establish, maintain and improve technical standards across all schemes; identify and evaluate opportunities for business development; and develop and deliver staff and client training.