The Board of the Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) has set out plans for a leadership transition designed to support the organisation’s future growth and operational structure as the construction market returns to growth.
Since 2020, the BMF has expanded its membership and remit, with membership increasing by 44% to include 1,020 merchant, supplier and service companies across the UK and Ireland. During the same period, the Federation has increased its engagement with government and industry bodies and expanded activity across skills, sustainability and digital initiatives.
The scale of this growth has led the BMF Board to review its leadership structure to ensure it remains fit for purpose as the sector responds to regulatory change and evolving market conditions.
Executive chair role introduced ahead of chairman’s retirement
As part of the transition, the BMF will introduce a new Executive Chair role, replacing the existing non-executive chairman position. The role will combine governance responsibilities with an executive remit to support industry engagement and strategic development.
Richard Hill’s term as Chairman will conclude on 30 September 2026. From 1 October 2026, current Chief Executive Officer John Newcomb will move into the newly created role of Executive Chairman.
The transition is intended to provide continuity and stability at senior level while maintaining the Federation’s external representation and strategic oversight.
John Newcomb to continue government and industry engagement
In his new role, John Newcomb will continue to act as the BMF’s external representative, engaging with government and industry bodies including the Construction Leadership Council, the European Association of National Builders’ Merchants Associations and Manufacturers, and the European Federation of the Sanitary and Heating Wholesale Trade.
He will also establish and chair a new Strategic Development Board, intended to support the expansion of the Federation’s activities and sector engagement.
Recruitment for a new Chief Executive Officer will begin in February, with the successful candidate expected to take up the role by 1 October. All operational functions will report to the new CEO, who will be responsible for member services, financial stewardship and organisational performance.
Leadership reflects recent sector initiatives and reforms
Reflecting on the transition, Richard Hill highlighted the period of organisational change and sector initiatives delivered during his tenure.
Richard 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.”
Continuity signalled as CEO prepares for new role
John Newcomb said the new structure would support continuity while allowing the Federation to adapt to future challenges.
John 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, who has been a fantastic mentor to me, and his predecessors, Peter Hindle MBE and Terry Parker, both of whom provided invaluable guidance and support.
“I am looking forward to embracing this new challenge, supporting our new CEO, and working together to foster progress and champion our members’ interests in the years ahead.”
