The Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) has appointed Tom Reynolds as its new chief executive officer, with the industry body’s leadership transition set to take effect from 9th November 2026.
Reynolds will join the BMF from his current role as chief executive of the British Brands Group, succeeding John Newcomb, who will become the Federation’s Executive Chairman following the retirement of current Chairman Richard Hill at the end of October.
The appointment follows the leadership changes announced by the BMF in January 2026.
New chief executive brings trade association and manufacturing experience
Reynolds has led the British Brands Group, representing branded manufacturers across a range of policy and commercial issues. Before that, he served as chief executive of the Bathroom Manufacturers Association, where he worked with government, regulators and manufacturers on areas including product compliance, sustainability, water efficiency and skills.
He began his career in public affairs and communications before moving into membership organisations at the British Ceramic Confederation, now Ceramics UK.
Commenting on the appointment, Richard Hill said: “Tom is an experienced CEO within the membership organisation sector, combining strategic insight with hands-on expertise.
“He understands how proactive trade associations help members manage complexity, adapt to change, and grow. The BMF has expanded substantially in size, scope, and influence in recent years. With this recruitment, I will step down confident that the Board has a strong management team in place to lead the BMF into its next chapter.”
Reynolds to lead BMF as industry faces housing and infrastructure demand
Reynolds said he was looking forward to working with members and the wider building materials supply chain as the sector supports housing, infrastructure and economic growth.
Tom Reynolds said: “I am delighted to be joining the BMF as its new Chief Executive. Builders’ merchants and the wider building materials supply chain are a crucial part of this country’s fabric — supporting communities, enabling construction, sustaining jobs, and helping to deliver the homes, infrastructure and growth that the UK needs.
“I have long admired the BMF as a highly respected and effective voice for the sector, and it is a real privilege to lead the organisation into its next chapter. I look forward to working closely with John as Executive Chair, the BMF team, and all our members to champion this vital industry and ensure it is recognised as central to any government’s growth ambitions.”
The appointment completes the next stage of the BMF’s planned leadership succession, with Reynolds assuming responsibility for the Federation’s day-to-day operations while John Newcomb takes on the newly created role of Executive Chairman from November.
