Malcolm Polley to retire as chief executive of Federation of Manufacturing Opticians

Malcolm Polley, chief executive of the world’s longest established optical trade body, the FMO, is to retire from his position.

Polley (pictured right), who took up his post in 2006 after a spell as chairman of the organisation, is to hand over the chief executive role to former ABDO vice president Kevin Gutsell (left) but will continue as director of Optrafair.

‘As we approach our centenary year of 2017 and commit ourselves to increasing the benefits for our members it is right to split the roles of leading the FMO and Optrafair,’ said FMO chairman Barry Dibble.

‘It will be difficult to fill Malcolm’s shoes and match his unique insight into so many aspects of the optical industry and profession. He has been the face of the FMO and Optrafair and provided unrivalled continuity for so many valuable years of growth for the sector.’FMO chief steps down