The newly appointed Chair of the British Compressed Gases Association (BCGA)’s Future Leaders’ Committee (FLC) has been named as Luxfer’s Global Key Account Manager, Sally Jollands.

This influential group champions innovation and knowledge-sharing among emerging leaders in the gas industry. We spoke to Sally about her vision for the committee, her career journey, and what this appointment means for the future of the sector.

Congratulations, Sally! Firstly, please tell us a bit about your career history?

After studying French and Spanish at the University of Nottingham, I initially worked in translation, but quickly realised it wasn’t for me. I moved into sales and joined Luxfer Gas Cylinders in May 2018 – and I’ve loved working here ever since. I’ve since progressed from Inside Sales Manager to my current role as Global Key Account Manager. My degree hasn’t completely gone to waste though, as I love brushing up on my languages when I chat to our French and Spanish-speaking clients.

How did you first get involved with the BCGA Future Leaders Committee?

I’ve been engaged in the BCGA since I attended my first conference about five years ago, and I was fortunate enough to receive a special mention in the BCGA Rising Star Award in 2023. I joined the Future Leaders Committee when it was launched, around three or four years ago. At first, meetings were occasional, but over time the committee developed. When the previous Chairs stepped down, I saw it as an opportunity to develop my career, share what we do at Luxfer and be an ambassador for young people in the gas industry – so I applied.

What was the process to become Chair?

It’s quite structured. You submit a statement answering questions, provide your background, and then have your application countersigned by a BCGA member. Following that, I was invited for an interview, which went well. As a result, I was recommended to the BCGA council and officially appointed in late 2025.

What are your priorities as Chair?

The committee’s purpose is to futureproof the gas industry. Many experienced professionals are approaching retirement, so it is important that we are continually transferring knowledge to the next generation.

My primary goal is to launch a mentoring programme to pair future leaders with experienced professionals. This way their knowledge, skills and passion can continue to thrive for generations to come.

I also hope to ensure at least one member of the FLC sits on each of the BCGA’s ten technical sub-committees. This will be an important step to ensure the next generation have input and understanding of the industry regulations.

Having visited association conferences in other parts of the world, I think there are opportunities to build stronger links with associations like the CGA, EIGA, and perhaps to even support the Middle East Gas Association to set up their own FLC.

How has mentoring impacted your own career?

I ‘have a mentor at Luxfer, and it’s been invaluable to share my experience and receive insights and guidance. I want others in the industry to access that same support. The plan is to pair future leaders with experienced gas professionals based on the type of training or experience they’re looking to tap into.

So, what makes a great future leader in this industry?

Someone motivated to drive change, progress within their company, and help the industry thrive. It’s about curiosity, collaboration, and commitment to learning.

For anyone under 45 or new to the gas industry, I’d encourage you to get involved with the FLC and see where it can take you.

What’s next for the Future Leaders Committee?

It’s full steam ahead as I’ll be chairing the first FLC meeting of 2026 at the end of January, and we’re already developing the agenda.

We’ll hold two online meetings and one in-person meeting at the BCGA conference each year. I’m also keen to showcase case studies of people who have succeeded in the industry, so members can learn from real experiences.

Luxfer congratulates Sally on this achievement and looks forward to seeing the positive impact she will make on the industry’s future. For more information on the FLC see: https://bcga.co.uk/future-leaders-committee/