Brush Industry Mourns Passing of Dr. John Rainey, MBE
Dr. John Rainey, MBE: 1950–2026
The global brush industry is mourning the passing of Dr. John Rainey, MBE, chairman of Denman and the Denroy Group, who died on February 10, 2026, at the age of 75.
Based in Bangor, Northern Ireland, Denman has long held a prominent place within the professional hairbrush sector, while Denroy Group operates across a broader manufacturing portfolio serving automotive, aerospace, defense and medical markets. Under Dr. Rainey’s leadership, both businesses expanded their technical capabilities and international reach, while maintaining their roots as family-founded enterprises.
Dr Rainey was widely regarded as a visionary engineer and entrepreneur. Colleagues describe him as a leader who combined technical rigor with a strong people-first philosophy. In 2014, he was awarded an MBE for services to economic development in Northern Ireland, recognizing his contribution to manufacturing and regional industry.
Within the brush sector, Denman remains best known for its professional styling brushes, which achieved international recognition during the rise of precision hairdressing techniques in the 1960s. In recent decades, the company has continued to invest in materials engineering, product development and sustainability initiatives—priorities that reflected Dr. Rainey’s long-standing interest in innovation and responsible manufacturing.
In a statement shared by the company, Denman and Denroy described the loss as profound, noting Dr. Rainey’s commitment not only to operational excellence but also to mentoring future leaders within the organization. Kevin McNamee, CEO of Denroy Group, said Dr. Rainey leaves “an indelible mark on the industries we touch and in the memories of so many,” emphasizing the strong foundation now in place for continued growth.
Beyond business, Dr. Rainey was known for his intellectual curiosity, philanthropic support of community initiatives, and dedication to engineering advancement. Industry partners frequently cited his integrity, accessibility and long-term perspective as defining characteristics of his leadership style.
Brushware extends its condolences to the Rainey family, the Denman and Denroy teams, and all those across the global brush community who were impacted by his life and work.
Those wishing to share condolences with the family and company may contact Denman directly at marketing@denmanbrush.com with the subject line “Dr. John.”
