Buffin joins Highbourne group as non-executive chairman

Tony Buffin, a former finance director of Travis Perkins plc,  has been appointed as Non-Executive Chairman of the Highbourne Group
Board.
The Highbourne Group includes Travis Perkins’ former plumbing and heating division brands, namely City Plumbing Supplies and PTS, as well as the specialist online outlets The Underfloor Heating Store, Direct Heating Spares, Plumbnation and National Shower Spares.

Buffin will Chair the Highbourne Group Board and will be a key support to Dave Evans, CEO Highbourne Group, the Senior Leadership Team and owners, sharing his knowledge and expertise gained from holding senior level positions in organisations including the Coles Group in Australia, Boots, Holland & Barrett, Travis Perkins and Kingfisher.

Evans said: “This is great news and I and the rest of the Senior Leadership Team are very pleased to welcome Tony to our new business. Tony’s extensive retail skills, particularly those gained in the home improvement and digital sectors, will be a huge benefit to our business as we push forwards with our aggressive growth plans.”

At the same time, John Vaughan has been appointed to the position of Senior Adviser to Highbourne Group Ltd. Vastly experienced across the plumbing and heating sector, Vaughan has undertaken senior leadership roles in BSS, Travis Perkins, Wolseley and was latterly CEO of Adey before helping complete the sale of the business to Polypipe.

Evans added: “John will be working alongside the Highbourne Group board and as part of my leadership team. John will support all parts of the business in particular Gary Venn, Steve Smith, Maxine Frost and Dave Griggs’ teams to assist us in operationalising our key strategic initiatives with customers and suppliers. I look forward to John sharing his expertise at such an exciting time for our business as we
drive forward with our growth plans as an independent business.”