Builders Merchants Journal – BMJ Publishing to Builders Merchants and the UK merchanting industry for more than 95 years
Five months into his role as regional managing director for Wales and Central England, Kieran Griffin reflects on his journey with Jewson and the evolving landscape of STARK Building Materials UK, two years into its new chapter.
With a career spanning three decades in the construction and merchanting sector, Griffin joined Jewson in late 2024, bringing a wealth of experience from other market-leading businesses in merchanting, civils, and heating, including Wolseley and Travis Perkins, BSS, KeyLine and CCF.
Reflecting on his first five months at Jewson, Griffin said: “It’s been an exciting and rewarding start to my time at Jewson. Joining STARK Building Materials UK at a pivotal moment, two years into its renewed journey, has given me the opportunity to contribute to a business that is firmly focused on growth, investment, and delivering excellence to our customers.”
Jewson continues to make significant investments in its branch network and distribution platform that covers the length and breadth of the UK. With Griffin focusing on Wales and Central England, he is driving initiatives aimed at making Jewson the first-choice destination for timber and heavy building materials, with a strong focus on attracting talented professionals, strengthening supplier partnerships, and improving product range and availability.
He continued: “Customers have more choice than ever when it comes to sourcing their materials, and I want Jewson to be at the forefront of their thinking. My goal is to ensure that customers see us as more than just a supplier – we are a valued partner that helps them succeed in an increasingly competitive market. The same applies to our suppliers; we want to be the go-to merchant for their products, providing them with the support and visibility they need to grow alongside us.”
John Carter, CEO of STARK Building Materials UK, said: “Kieran’s expertise in merchanting, combined with his leadership experience, makes him an invaluable asset to Jewson. His insights and strategic direction will be crucial as we continue to build on the strong foundation STARK UK has established over the past two years. I have no doubt he will play a pivotal role in our ongoing success.”
