The Institute of Roofing (IOR) named four honorary fellows in recognition of their long-standing service and outstanding contribution to the roofing industry.

The honorary fellowships were awarded worldwide to Detlef Stauch, Peter Plum, Reid Ribble and Dr. Bill Chan.

The IOR is an organization based in the U.K. that awards professional qualifications in roofing management and drives to increase and maintain professionalism in supervision, management and ownership within the roofing industry.

"It is fantastic to see honorary fellowships being awarded across four different continents and to people who have demonstrated some of the strongest and most impressive skills across our industry," said Stuart Hicks, CEO of the IOR. "Their valued contributions have helped to shape standards and enhance professionalism in the U.K. and internationally."

Ribble owned and ran a commercial and residential roofing company for 28 years. During that time, he was vice-president and president of the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA). In 2009, he sold his roofing company and served as a congressman in Washington, D.C. from 2011 to 2017 before being appointed CEO of the NRCA.

On the NRCA website, Ribble stated the following: “In this era of COVID 19, most of the surprises I have been a part of have been disappointments. This one really lifted my day. To be honored in this way, especially on a global stage and with the fellow honorees, is something I just never even considered. I am thankful for this honor and recognition.”

According to the IOR website, Stauch lives in Germany and has worked in the roofing industry for more than four decades. He is a qualified civil engineer and "roofing master" who first worked for the German Roofing Association, and recently retired as the general secretary and director of the International Federation for the Roofing Trade (IFD), where he spent 24 years.

Plum, who is based in South Africa, joined the Master Builders Association, Western Cape, in 1959 and served as its president in 1980-81. Throughout his long career, he achieved several accolades and authored a number of books. Despite being in his 90s, he remains active in the roofing industry in South Africa through his own company and supporting others.

Also in his 90s, Chan is a chartered civil and structural engineer still serving the sector. In addition to playing a key role that brought together the Chinese and U.K. roofing industries, he has led the development of U.K., European, and U.S. standards since 1972. In 2019, he was awarded the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) pin of honor at the IFD congress for his services to the roofing industry.

"All four honorary fellows have made massive contributions to the roofing industry and are still doing so," said Graeme Millar, board director at the IOR. "Their dedication is truly exceptional, and this has had a positive impact both in the U.K. and right across the world.

“The decision to award these individuals honorary fellowships received unanimous backing of the IOR board, demonstrating the high esteem that each hold in our wonderful industry.”