Tom Reynolds takes up his new role as chief executive of the Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) today, Monday 9 November 2026, completing a leadership transition first announced in January 2026.

Reynolds succeeds John Newcomb, who moves into the new role of BMF executive chairman. BMF chairman Richard Hill is retiring at the end of October as part of the same reshuffle at the top of the trade body, which represents builders' merchants and the wider building materials supply chain across the UK.

Reynolds joins the BMF from the British Brands Group, where he served as chief executive, championing the value of brands to the UK economy and leading work to strengthen members' capabilities and influence over key policy areas. Before that, he was chief executive of the Bathroom Manufacturers Association, representing manufacturers across the bathroom products sector and working with members, government, regulators and industry partners on product compliance, sustainability, water efficiency, skills and market confidence.

He began his career in public affairs and communications before moving into membership organisations at the British Ceramic Confederation, now known as Ceramics UK. He holds a BA in Law and Politics and an MA in Environmental Politics, and has said he is focused on helping trade associations sharpen their strategic purpose, strengthen their influence and demonstrate tangible value to members.

Commenting on the appointment, Richard Hill said Reynolds was an experienced chief executive within the membership organisation sector, combining strategic insight with hands-on expertise. Hill added that the BMF had expanded substantially in size, scope and influence in recent years, and that he would step down confident the board had a strong management team in place to lead the federation into its next chapter.

Reynolds said builders' merchants and the wider building materials supply chain were a crucial part of the country's fabric, supporting communities, enabling construction, sustaining jobs and helping to deliver the homes, infrastructure and growth the UK needs. He said he had long admired the BMF as a highly respected and effective voice for the sector, and that it was a privilege to lead the organisation into its next chapter. He added that he looked forward to working closely with Newcomb as executive chair, the BMF team and all its members to champion the industry and ensure it is recognised as central to any government's growth ambitions.

The BMF represents a sector that sits at the heart of the construction supply chain, supplying the materials used in housebuilding, repair and maintenance, and major infrastructure projects.