Builders Merchants Journal – BMJ Publishing to Builders Merchants and the UK merchanting industry for more than 95 years
John Newcomb, currently CEO of builders merchants trade association the Builders Merchants Federation is to step up to the new role of Executive Chairman from October 1, as the organisation recruits a new CEO.
The new Executive Chair role replaces the existing non-executive position, and will combine governance responsibilities with an executive mandate to support broader industry engagement and growth. The changes are planned to coincide with the retirement of current chairman Richard Hill.
Since 2020, the BMF has expanded significantly in size and scope, achieving greater recognition and influence with government, strengthened support for members, and led key initiatives. Membership has grown by 44%, reaching 1,020 merchant, supplier, and service companies across the UK and Ireland.
As Executive Chairman, Newcomb will remain the external ambassador for the BMF, representing the building materials sector to government policymakers and other industry bodies. He will also establish and chair a new Strategic Development Board to expand and deepen the Federation’s activities.
Hill said: “It has been a privilege to chair the BMF during a period when it has grown considerably as a trade organisation, both in terms of our membership and the breadth of services we provide, alongside our growing external recognition and influence. I am proud to have played my part in the journey to date alongside John. Together we have overseen the merger of the Institute of Builders Merchants (IoBM) into the BMF, the creation and launch of the BMCareers programme, the introduction of the ETIM standard for building, plumbing, and HVAC materials in the UK and Ireland, and, most recently, with NMBS, the creation of Data Yard, the industry-owned data pool for the entire building materials supply chain.”
Newcomb said: “I am honoured to be appointed Executive Chairman after my 14-year tenure as CEO. Like Richard, I am proud to have contributed to the BMF’s transformation and to have strengthened our position as the voice of the building materials sector. Throughout this period, I have had the pleasure of working alongside three exceptional chairs, Richard, and his predecessors, Peter Hindle MBE and Terry Parker, both of whom provided invaluable guidance and support.”
Recruitment for a new Chief Executive Officer will commence in February, with the appointed individual expected to assume the role by 1 October. All operational roles will report to the new CEO.
