BMF announces plans for leadership transition

​​​​​​​Richard Hill’s term as chairman will end on 30 September 2026. Current CEO John Newcomb will move into his new position as BMF executive chairman from 1 October 2026

The Board of the BMF (Builders Merchants Federation) has revealed details of a leadership transition aimed at supporting ongoing growth, operational excellence, and increased member engagement over the next decade.

Since 2020, the BMF has expanded significantly in size and scope. Under the leadership of chairman Richard Hill and CEO John Newcomb, the organisation has achieved greater recognition and influence with government, strengthened support for members, and led key initiatives in people and skills, sustainability and digital transformation.

During this period, membership also grew by 44%, reaching 1020 merchant, supplier, and service companies across the UK and Ireland.

The expansion has increased the leadership team's responsibilities, prompting the BMF Board to consider the most suitable structure to sustain momentum as the industry adapts to business and legislative changes, and the construction market returns to growth.

The leadership transition, planned to coincide with 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.

Recruitment for a new chief executive officer will commence in February, with the appointed individual expected to assume the role by 1 October.