NAFD appoints new chief executive
Andrew Judd is a former member of the NAFD executive committee and president of the NAFD Western Counties Area Federation
The Nation Association of Funeral Directors’ governing board has announced the appointment of Andrew Judd to be the association’s new chief executive.
Judd’s appointment comes as he is a former member of the NAFD executive committee, president of the NAFD Western Counties Area Federation and operations director for Dignity plc.
Judd said: “I have been involved in the NAFD for more than 30 years and I am honoured to be invited to play a part in shaping its future success. I think the younger me, the one who took the minutes for South Wales Area Federation meetings in the late 1980s and early 1990s, would be particularly thrilled.
“My long term involvement in the NAFD at both a national and regional level has also enabled me to build a wide network of independent funeral business owners, bereavement associations, kindred organisations and suppliers to the profession, and I now look forward to serving them and their needs in my new role.”
He added: “There’s a lot of work to do, but I will also be spending as much time as I can getting out and about to talk to members, to make sure I am clear on their expectations from the NAFD and, in return, they understand the myriad of ways in which the NAFD’s small but talented team is able to support them.”
Jonathan Rees, chair of the NAFD governing board, said: “Andrew has worked for both independent funeral firms and larger corporates, and as such, brings a uniquely broad perspective on the challenges facing funeral firms, not only at a strategic level, but also from the ground up – having continued arranging funerals throughout his 38-year career.
“That kind of informed thinking is what the association needs and what stakeholders like the government have come to expect from the NAFD, and Andrew is well placed to deliver it.”
John Adams, president of NAFD, added: “Andrew brings a wealth of knowledge of the funeral business and has an undoubted passion for service to bereaved and deceased people that has earned him the respect of funeral firms and stakeholders across the UK.
“I am looking forward to working with him to bring stability during challenging times and maintain the development of the NAFD as the voice of the funeral profession.”
