Ken Winch, FCSI
FROM
THE PRESIDENT |
INTRODUCTIONS AND AN INVITATION
With this being my initial letter, I thought I should reflect good British manners and introduce myself to all those of you I have not had the pleasure of meeting, but there is a more important aspect to address.
In his last letter, Albert Da Costa reminded himself. and us, of the memorable events, the people, and the board members he had enjoyed and the many friendships made in his two-year presidential term. Al spoke of the passion that he had seen at Board meetings and went on to mention a number of initiatives and projects that had been undertaken. What he did not refer to, and I now take the opportunity of correcting, is that it was his leadership, imagination, passion and commitment that empowered us, his fellow board members, to achieve. I would like to both acknowledge and thank him on your behalf for his dedication, hard work and contribution to the Society.
On a personal level, I have been privileged to have his
guidance whilst together on the board and more so to enjoy our friendship. But then, my life, both personally and professionally m has been a privilege, and as a way of introduction I also reflect. I entered this industry in 1958 after serving an indentured engineering apprenticeship with a major manufacturing foundry company in South London where my standards and design skills were first nurtured. During the period '58 through'69, I worked in the sales and branding offices of the leading fabrication company and other related organizations until in 1969 I came into consultancy.
My involvement with FCSI started in 1982 when I became the first member in the UK and participated in my first European Board meeting as treasurer. In 1992 going on to become Chairman of the European Division in 1998 when I also joined the worldwide board where I have now ascended to the dizzy heights of the presidency, a position that I never anticipated but am honoured to fulfil.
My further privilege is my family. I am married to Cleone and we have two children, Claire and David, who have provided me with their support in all that I have wanted to do. I am now further supported, albeit unknowingly at present, by our two wonderful grandchildren, Thomas and Phoebe. Outside of family and work, I have interests in music and photography without sufficient time to practice either to the extent that I might wish.
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I have been asked what our program will be over the next two years and it has been difficult to answer but I am now completing my thoughts on this. We shall of course be continuing to progress the projects already in hand and the recently started branding study will occupy us extensively and our long-term strategic planning will be ever present on our minds. New initiatives are in development and will be the subject of board discussions and approval. We will also be considering alternative ways in which we can better communicate with you. Most importantly, we shall be concentrating on dispelling any lingering myths that the worldwide board is hanging on to power. It has not been and will not do so. This Society is your Society and this will be reinforced constantly and consistently.
Modern terminology now makes frequent references to the work of boards and companies as being a journey and I offer this thought. Our new board is now continuing a journey that began on the same day the Society was formed. We also know that this journey is infinite and will never end. As the Society develops globally, there will be new challenges to be met and board decisions to be made. We will establish marker posts and keep you informed as we reach them. We will update you on how we are doing and especially when we arrive at them. There will be diversions and I suppose the occasional roadblock and we will find alternative routes or clear the path. Importantly, we will make every effort not to experience breakdowns or crashes. This road will have many junctions and branches and it is certain beyond doubt that the board will be passing through your neighbourhood every day.
I encourage you to consider us in this way and ask you to stop us to tell us your thoughts, your concerns and worries and even your satisfaction. If you miss us one day, do not wait until tomorrow. Call us, email us fax us. We as a group will be there and will be listening. After all this is our Society and we can succeed only if we each give whatever time we can afford.
So let me, on behalf of our new worldwide board and those of the divisions and local units, cordially and warmly invite you to join us on the journey. I am looking forward to serving the Society, to the pleasure of meeting with you and our clients, and to the privilege of my new role as president.
Ken Winch, FCSI
President
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