Max Lakkonen elected as new President of the International Water Mist Association

Antwerp, 18^th September 2024, The International Water Mist Association (IWMA), the leading association in the water mist firefighting industry, is proud to announce the election of Max Lakkonen as its new President.

Max Lakkonen, Managing Director of the IFAB – Institute for Applied Fire Safety Research in Berlin, Germany, brings over 20 years of expertise in water mist systems to this role. An active member of the IWMA since 2005, he has made significant contributions to the industry’s growth and previously served as Chairman of the IWMA Scientific Council.

Reflecting on his appointment, Max Lakkonen said:

“I am deeply honoured by the trust IWMA members have placed in me. My goal is to continue advancing the IWMA’s mission and further support the evolution of the water mist industry. Water mist technology is not only highly effective in fire suppression but also environmentally friendly, offering distinct advantages over conventional technologies.

The water mist industry is already substantial, with a market valued in the billions of euros by end-clients, and it plays a dominant role in several sectors. While the industry is well-established, I believe there is still significant potential for growth. It is crucial that we continue educating the wider fire protection sector. There are many factors in today’s world that support the increased adoption of water mist systems over conventional alternatives.”

The election of Max Lakkonen follows the resignation of Are Brandt, who led the IWMA for two consecutive three-year terms, the maximum allowed under the organisation’s statutes.

Bogdan Raciega (Baltic Fire Laboratory) was elected chair of the IWMA Scientific Council.

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