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Bathard – Mark Bathard: All change at MDM

The Directors of MDM Publishing Ltd, publishers of International Fire Fighter (IFF) magazine, have recently announced some personnel changes within the company’s magazine division.

After 17 years at the helm of IFF, Mark Bathard, the company’s longest-serving employee, will be stepping down and taking over as Sales Manager on UK Fire magazine. This change will come into effect on 1st September 2020.

Mark, affectionately known as Bond due to his passion for all things 007, has been with IFF since its inception in September 2003, with the first issue being published in February 2004 and making its trade show debut at FDIC in April of that year.

Mark has enjoyed a long and successful career in the fire industry and before joining MDM worked in the USA running Industrial Fire World Magazine based out of College Station TX. Prior to that he ran Industrial Fire Journal and Firetrade Asia, starting in 1994.

Mark said, “For health reasons, I have decided to step down as International Sales Manager for IFF and reduce my hectic travel schedule. I will not be leaving MDM Publishing as I have agreed to take on the role of Sales Manager for one of our other titles, UK Fire magazine, which as the title suggests will mean that I will not be required to travel to as many international exhibitions and which allows me to reduce my working week to four days.

“However, I will still be attending FDIC in Indianapolis next year, where I will be introducing my successor Gavin Harrison to everyone. I will still attend the occasional international exhibition namely Interschutz and NFPA in June 2021, so I will be sure to check in with as many familiar faces as possible.”

MDM Director Mark Seton said, “Bond’s contribution to our company since he joined in 2003 has been immeasurable. His contact list of everyone in the fire industry has opened many doors for us and his nurturing of International Fire Fighter from fledging new publication into the world’s leading firefighting magazine has shown what a valuable member of our team he is. Thank you, Mr Bond, I’m sure UK Fire magazine will go from strength to strength under your guidance.”

All Mark’s contact details will remain the same and the only thing to remember is that he doesn’t work on Friday’s. This is when the weekend begins and he can be found ‘swinging his mashie niblick’ at Sidmouth Golf Club where he is an avid member and former Challenge Cup winner.

For more information, contact mark.bathard@gulffire.com