Deputy Guthrie becomes Alliance president

Former vice-president Rob Guthrie has assumed the mantle of president in the new Alliance board.

The Swimming Pool and Spa Alliance (SPASA) has announced the appointment of a new president – Robert Guthrie, who has been in the swimming pool industry for more than 25 years.

He replaces respected outgoing president Peter Moore, who held the position for the past four years.

“During this time, Peter has been instrumental in helping effect significant changes that have benefited the industry, consumers and members,” says CEO Spiros Dassakis. “I believe his term as president will be remembered as the term of action and influence.

“His achievements include representation on bodies developing a range of Australian Standards, overseeing the purchase of SPASA’s new Sydney headquarters and creation of a dedicated training facility, not to mention helping make SPASA the only Registered Training Organisation dedicated entirely to the swimming pool and spa industry.”

Moore also oversaw the creation of a myriad of submissions to both state and federal governments including those related to water conservation, safety, hydraulics, pool heating, inflatable and portable swimming pools and pool pump energy efficiency.

Moore’s term also saw the shift from SPASA NSW having a state-centric approach to become more nationally focussed with the launch of the Swimming Pool and Spa Alliance, the name under which the organisation now trades.

While this was a controversial move, it did generate considerable change across the national landscape. The final result of this move is yet to be determined.

Moore remains a board member.

Incoming president Guthrie owns Sydney pool store and maintenance business Tru Pool and will assume the role of president on June16, with Janine Bellefemine, director of Acoustic Filter Enclosures, being appointed vice president. Dennis Baxter will retain his position as treasurer.

The new board of the Swimming Pool and Spa Alliance (SPASA) is:

Robert Guthrie, Tru Pool, President

Janine Bellifemine, Acoustic Filter Enclosure, Vice President

Denis Baxter, Niagara Pool Supplies, Treasurer

Malcolm Brown, Zodiac Group

Jonathan Hatfield, Waterco

Brian Jamieson, Lifestyle Spas & Leisure

Peter Moore, Sunrise Pools

Mervyn Smith, Sunbather Pool Technologies

Manfred Wiesemes, Australian Pools & Spas

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