Retirement of industry stalwart - Fiona Murphy

After 35 years in the pest management industry, Fiona Murphy has announced she is hanging-up her pest control hat in June and retiring.

A very well-known, and much respected, figure in the industry Fiona Murphy began her career at Pestoxin after graduating in Geology and Biology at Keele University in 1973. She later joined Erskine Pest Control which became Peter Cox, then Terminix and now Ecolab. Since 2000, Fiona has been Technical & People Development manager, Pest Elimination UK & Ireland at Ecolab.

In addition, she is also chair of the Pest Control Education and Training Forum, an industry group designed to develop and deliver qualifications, whilst also improving the professional standing of the pest control industry – an issue close to her heart.

In 2008 Fiona was inducted into thePest Control News Hall of Fame.

Biding the industry farewell, Fiona said: “The pest industry has given me a great career for the past 35 years largely because of all the wonderful people I have had the privilege to work with – both in the companies I have worked for and also with the industry organisations I have worked with. I have regularly said that I have the ‘best job in the world’ and I meant it.

“I have great hopes for the pest control industry and for all the people I have helped
to train and develop. I know that my work will be continued by the talented technical team at Ecolab.

Fiona Murphy

“Thank you to you all. I will miss you, but the time is right to hand-over to my team and spend more time with my husband Eric, travelling on our motorbike (bet you didn’t know we are bikers), transforming the garden in France and enjoying the delights and challenges of a new country and culture.”

Ecolab announced that with Fiona’s departure, an additional role of training manager will also be created, so maintaining emphasis on both technical skills and personal development.

Until the appointment of her successor, Mark Williams, head of technical and support services, will continue to be responsible for the ongoing development of Ecolab”s technical expertise and innovation.

Dave Adams, VP and general manager said “We are delighted for Fiona, and take this early opportunity to wish her a long and happy retirement. Associates throughout the company will miss her valuable industry insight and knowledge as well as her enthusiasm and humour.”

In an earlier and separate announcement, Ecolab revealed the appointment of Paul Rawding as director of corporate accounts for the UK and Ireland Pest Elimination Division.