Diane Johnson Obituary

Diane Johnson obituary

ECA is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Diane Johnson.

Diane, known as Di to colleagues and friends, was ECA President from 2010 to 2011, and was notably the first female President appointed in the Association’s 109-year history.  

Di, whose career in the electrical sector spanned over 20 years, was an influential ambassador for the industry across several key issues, including fair payment, skills, training, and diversity and inclusion. She was also a key figure in the launch of The Electrotechnical Skills Partnership (TESP) in 2014.

Di began her career in the banking sector, then joined Eric Johnson of Northwich Ltd, soon becoming finance director of the business. Di was closely involved with the ECA throughout that time, and was appointed Regional Chair for the North West Region from 2008 to 2009.

Alun Pearson, former ECA President said, “Di will be dearly missed by all those who knew her and worked with her. Her dedication to improving business conditions for contractors, boosting their skills, and encouraging more women to join the industry was pivotal and continues to have a positive impact to this day.

“Di’s commitment to supporting and developing the underrepresented parts of our sector will have a lasting impact for many years to come.”

Di was instrumental in the creation and launch of the Wired for Success campaign to overcome the under-representation of women in the electrical contracting sector. The initiative provided many unemployed women with a tailored two-year training course to kick-start an electrical career.

Following the campaign’s success, Di was keen to see the same principles of Wired for Success applied across the country and to other trade professions. The campaign earned Di a nomination for the First Women Awards, which recognise trailblazing women who lay the foundations for the next generation of female talent.

Martin Bailey, Chair of ECA Ltd said, “Di will be remembered for consistently going above and beyond to encourage women to join the electrical sector, and she helped to change many lives as a result. Her drive and dedication were unmatched.”

All ECA staff and Di’s former industry colleagues wish to pass their condolences to her family at this sad time.