The Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) has announced a leadership transition aimed at supporting ongoing growth, operational excellence, and increased member engagement over the next decade.
The leadership transition, planned to coincide with BMF chairman Richard Hill’s retirement, aims to ensure stability, continuity, and ongoing success, providing senior expertise and resources to advance the sector-focused trade association.
A key change is the creation of a new Executive Chair role to replace the existing non-executive position. This changed role combines governance responsibilities with an executive mandate to support broader industry engagement and growth.
Richard Hill’s term as Chairman will end on 30 September 2026. In a natural progression, John Newcomb will move into his new position as BMF Executive Chairman from 1 October 2026.
As Executive Chairman, John Newcomb will remain the external ambassador for the BMF, representing the building materials sector to government policymakers and other industry bodies, including the Construction Leadership Council (CLC), the European Association of National Builders’ Merchants Associations and Manufacturers (UFEMAT), and the European Federation of the Sanitary and Heating Wholesale Trade (FEST). He will also establish and chair a new Strategic Development Board to expand and deepen the Federation’s activities.
Since 2020, the BMF has expanded significantly in size and scope under the leadership of Chairman Richard Hill and CEO John Newcomb. The membership has also grown by 44%, reaching 1,020 merchant, supplier, and service companies across the UK and Ireland.
Recruitment for a new Chief Executive Officer will commence in February, with the appointed individual expected to assume the role by 1 October.
“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,” said Mr Hill.
“I am honoured to be appointed Executive Chairman after my 14-year tenure as CEO,” said John Newcomb.
“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.”
