Habia appoints Robert Young as managing director

Beauty association Habia has announced Robert Young as its new managing director.

Young, who runs property company Endex Solutions, also has a background in IT and management as a former senior executive with internet service provider Tiscali and an officer in the British Army

Young said he will use this experience to drive online training packages at Habia as well as extending the remit of the association to offer more business training for salons.

Next year, Habia will work on updated national occupational standards to make sure qualifications reflect the latest changes in legislation affecting salon services. The association will also set new standards for chemical peels and other treatments that have seen recent growth in client demand.

Habia has also leveraged key grants over the last 12 months that will bring benefits to the hair and beauty sector after strengthening its relationship with parent company SkillsActive.

Young will run Habia following the departure of former chief executive Alan Goldsbro, who retired earlier this year after 23 years leading the association.

Deputy chief executive and head of policy Andrew Darby has also now left the association.

Habia chairman Suki Kalirai said: “Rob’s experience and background are the right fit for where we need Habia to go next.”