IMA is pleased to announce the appointment of Laurent Verheyden, Managing Director of SOPREMA UK, as its new President.
Laurent brings extensive experience from leading a major UK manufacturer of insulation and waterproofing products and systems, alongside a clear, practical vision for the future of housing and the role PIR insulation manufacturers play within it. His appointment comes at a time when the construction sector faces increasing regulatory scrutiny, heightened expectations around building performance, and the need to translate policy ambition into consistent, measurable outcomes on site.
Speaking on his appointment, Laurent Verheyden said “It is a real privilege to be appointed President of IMA. This role carries significant responsibility, not only to the Association’s members, but to the wider construction industry and the homes and buildings we collectively help to deliver.”
Laurent has consistently highlighted that while the industry shares strong ambitions around sustainability, safety and energy efficiency, good intentions alone do not build good houses. In his view, delivering better outcomes requires technical rigour, clear accountability and a shared commitment to best practice across the supply chain.
“If we want to build homes that genuinely perform as intended, we must move beyond aspiration and focus on how buildings are designed, specified and constructed in practice. That means clear product information, robust standards and close collaboration between manufacturers, designers and contractors.”
A central priority of Laurent’s presidency will be reinforcing the role of IMA as a trusted, independent voice within the construction market. He believes the Association has a critical responsibility not only to represent its members, but also to contribute constructively to industry-wide dialogue, providing clarity, technical leadership and evidence-based guidance.
Laurent sees IMA as uniquely positioned to:
- Promote accurate, substantiated and transparent product information
- Support alignment with evolving regulatory frameworks
- Encourage consistency of standards across manufacturers
- Provide informed input into policy and regulatory development
He is a strong advocate for the UK Code for Construction Product Information (CCPI), alongside compliance with Building Regulations and the Future Homes Standard, viewing these frameworks as essential to restoring confidence and consistency across the sector.
“The CCPI represents an important step forward for our sector. As manufacturers, we have a duty to provide clear, accurate and substantiated information that supports informed decision-making. This isn’t about compliance for its own sake; it’s about reinforcing trust, and ensuring the insulation industry remains a credible and responsible contributor to the built environment.”
Laurent also emphasised that his presidency is rooted in strengthening the collective voice of IMA members.
“For IMA members, this is about leadership through collaboration. By working together, sharing expertise and holding ourselves to consistently high standards, we can strengthen the reputation of PIR insulation manufacturers and reinforce the value we bring to the construction market.”
26/2/2026
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