David Peace, a former director of Meyer Group and a past president of the BHHMA (forerunner of current industry trade association BHETA) died on January 23 after a short illness.
Dave is remembered by industry colleagues for his “larger than life” character, his development of sales (including export) opportunities and contribution to the industry through his proactive involvement with the BHHMA.
After a successful musical career playing piano with some of the great blues legends, Dave went into a career in housewares sales and worked for Tower, Husqvarna (DIY) and Hackman before joining Meyer in 1986.
Dave was a major part of Meyer’s success, working for the company for over 20 years. As sales director he was instrumental in growing the business and making Meyer a leading housewares company. As export director he helped to build the company’s global markets.
Dave was elected BHHMA president in 2000, and made significant advances during his two-year tenure. He organised the very first housewares committee, and product sector meetings, housewares open forums and a housewares market report were all introduced during his presidency. A few years later, Dave was chair of the company’s resurrected export committee.
In a speech at the end of his BHHMA presidency, Dave’s affection for the housewares industry was apparent. He reflected (on housewares and DIY sectors of the association): “Most of all the last two years have only underlined the undeniable fact that these are nice industries to work in, with good people who rarely leave it.”
Meyer Group’s business development director, Geoff Gorst states: “Dave was one of the big characters in the housewares industry: larger than life. Those of us who had the honour to work with him – and many others in the industry – will have great stories. There were many!”
More recently, Dave was md and owner of Massive Housewares International, while he also continued his lifelong passion for music.
Top: David Peace pictured in 2002.
