MANCHESTER, UK — Paul Sheppard of HMG Paints has been named the new President of The Oil & Colour Chemists’ Association (OCCA). OCCA is a professional body that is internationally recognized as one of the leading technical organizations for individuals from the coatings and allied sectors. With a growing body of more than 800 members, it provides both locally based networking potential and a much wider opportunity for interaction with members from around the world.

Sheppard officially took over from Graham Armstrong at the OCCA AGM, which was held as a hybri’ event at Imperial War Museum North in Salford Quays. One of Sheppard’s first appointments in his new role will be on a panel discussion at the UK Chemical Industries Supply Chain Expo where he will be discussing product realization and commercialization.

“I am truly honored to be taking on the Presidency of the Oil and Colour Chemists Association. We have a brilliant team in place of dynamic volunteers and contractors, and I am looking forward to working with them and continuing the excellent work we have been doing over the past three years under the strong leadership of our past President, Graham Armstrong,” said Sheppard. “I am excited and very optimistic of a bright future for our Association, and I relish the challenges we will face as a cohesive team working with all our stakeholders to build on our strong position within the industry and deliver on ‘inspiring colour futures.’”

Steve Crossman, Chief Operating Officer of HMG Paints, said, “Everyone at HMG is incredibly proud of Paul and his appointment as OCCA President. Paul has been a key member of the HMG Team over the last 25 years and we couldn’t think of anyone better for this role, we know his drive and passion will help with the development of OCCA and its members.”

Within HMG Paints, Sheppard has recently taken over the role of Regulation and Compliance Manager. Utilizing his extensive technical knowledge and industry-wide contacts, Sheppard has been integral in ensuring compliance to new Brexit legislations along with managing the company’s response to raw material challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.

To find out more about OCCA, visit www.occa.org.uk. Learn more about HMG Paints at www.hmgpaint.com.