Experienced timber industry executive Patrick Guest has been appointed new executive chair of leading wood industry group Timber Development UK (TDUK).
Mr Guest takes over from long-serving TDUK chairman Chris Sutton. The change became effective on July 1, following the Governing Board meeting of June 18th. The executive chair position is a new role involving the Board Governance functions of the Chair as well as supporting the CEO and Executive Team in delivery of TDUK objectives.
Mr Sutton, former MD of James Latham, had held the position of Chair since 2021 and taken a leading role in helping form TDUK from the merger of the Timber Trade Federation and TRADA.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with TDUK,” said Mr Sutton. “We’ve overseen a number of positive initiatives during a time of not so positive market conditions. Dave Hopkins and the team have put a strong programme together to help keep pushing the markets for timber forward. I believe I am leaving the organization in a far stronger position, fit to face the future.”
Mr Sutton will continue to work with TDUK as an ambassador for the trade during the coming year(s).
Patrick Guest’s timber industry credentials include director positions at Arnold Laver, NTG and St Gobain.
Mr Guest paid tribute to the “excellent work” by Mr Sutton over the previous five years.
“TDUK is now well placed to lead the discussion and development of timber in the UK. My role is to support TDUK’s continued development and help establish it as the voice of a growing industry, representing the whole supply chain. I am excited to be taking this role on and look forward to getting out to member meetings across the country.”
The Governing Board meeting in June also saw the appointment of three new directors to strengthen the representation at Board level: Simon Woods, European Sales, Marketing & Logistics Director at West Fraser UK; Greg Cooper, Managing Director, Hybrid Structures; and Greg Pickett, Managing Director at Taylor Maxwell and former Chair of East Anglia Timber Trade Association.
For more information on the Board members of TDUK please see:
