Inaugural global ambassador awards

A first this year, awards were presented at PestWorld to three individuals from the global pest management industry – Rob Fryatt, Alberto Ponjoan and Norman Cooper.

The international reception at PestWorld, sponsored by Univar Environmental Science, is always a popular meeting place for delegates from overseas. So it was highly appropriate that these first awards, designed to recognise individuals within the industry who have played a significant part on the international pest control stage, were presented there. The awards were announced by Benjamin Gomez, Univar’s director for Latin America.

Global ambassador Rob Fryatt – UK
The first Global Ambassador Award was presented to Rob Fryatt, a person Benjamin described as “a gloabal ambassador for the pest management industry before we even realised that we were an industry. He is fluent in multiple languages, has travelled and spoken at pest management meetings in virtually every country in the world.”

Rob has worked in the industry for over 25 years, most recently as founder of consultants Xenex Associates and a former director general of the Confederation of European Pest Management Industry Association (CEPA). (Editor’s note: he is also a member of the Pest technical advisory board).

Unfortunately Rob was not there in person to receive his award, which was collected on his behalf by Rodrigo Gonzá¡lez Llanos. In a message sent he said: “This year was only the second PestWorld I have missed since 1991, so I apologise for not being with you in person. There is no greater recognition within any industry than that of your colleagues. It doesn’t matter who you work for, it is the people that make an industry. Over many years I have, and still do, work with so many of you from all around the world.”

Global ambassador Alberto Ponjoan – Spain
The second award also went to a European, Alberto Ponjoan of Servicios Depec, Spain. In his citation Alberto’s role in choreographing partnerships between the Spanish and Catalonian associations with NPMA was highlighted. He has pioneered new methods and technologies in Spain, including heat treatment, bed bug detection dogs and green pest control. In addition he has served as president of the Spanish and Catalonian pest control associations as well as on the board of directors at CEPA.

Global ambassadors lifetime achievement award – Norman Cooper
Finally, the first lifetime achievement award was presented to a man who has always wanted to set the world on fire – Norman Cooper, USA.

In his presentation Benjamin said: “When he started in the pest management industry he guided his own technicians with the premise that if you’re not going to be the best, leave – because we are going to do whatever it takes to be the best.”

Throughout his career, Norman has submerged himself in the pest management industry. He represented the industry in a professional and positive light domestically and internationally – speaking on the industry’s behalf in countries such as Japan, Mexico, Canada, Brazil, UK, Israel, Singapore, China, and Ecuador. He now acts as a consultant and is a past president of NPMA.

Billy Tesh (right), NPMA president, presents Rob Fryatt’s award to Rodrigo Gonzá¡lez Llanos. Left: Benjamin Gomez holds his special award from NPMA to recognise his pivotal role in establishing these awards