The Independent Builders Merchant Group (IBMG) is delighted to announce the appointment of Martin Stables as Group Chief Executive. Martin’s new role is effective as of 1 July 2022, succeeding Nick House, who continues to support the group as a non-executive director.

Martin joined IBMG in October 2021 as Group Chief Commercial Officer, during which time he has contributed substantively to the group’s strategy and formed a best-in-class commercial function for the business. Martin’s 25 years of industry expertise, leadership and strong cultural fit with IBMG’s independent ethos, will be invaluable in ensuring the continued growth of IBMG as the leading integrated building materials distribution business in the South of England.

Nick House, IBMG’s retiring Group Chief Executive, has led Grant & Stone, and more recently IBMG, with great success for over 30 years. From a small regional builders merchant founded in 1987, Nick has led a growth journey that created a business with revenues of over £600m, 169 branches and over 2,100 employees. Nick has been instrumental in integrating and unifying a strong management team, while maintaining the quality of offering, service and innovation that differentiates IBMG from its competitors as an independent merchant.

Having led such significant growth in recent years and now approaching retirement, Nick has decided that this is the right moment for him to step back from the day-to-day operations of the business. The Board of IBMG is delighted that Nick, having chosen to be less active in the management of the company going forward, will continue as a non-executive director for the next phase of its growth.

Nick House explained: “To have achieved so much, with the support of a great team, fills me with pride.  IBMG is well positioned for the next stage of its development so this seems the natural point for me to step back and pass the baton to Martin, while continuing to support the business in a non-executive capacity. Martin has demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities in the time we have worked together so I am confident that with the support of our outstanding management team, the business will thrive”

Martin Stables added: “It has been a great pleasure to work with Nick – I have learnt much from his leadership and innate understanding of our people and customers. We share a common vision for the business so I am glad that he will continue to be involved as a non-executive. We are at a really exciting point in our development and have ambitious goals to fulfil but we are well-equipped to meet them. We are well structured, have strong investor support; exceptional, fiercely independent trading brands; first-rate employees, and a well-deserved reputation for outstanding service. I am honoured and delighted to lead our talented team during the next phase of our growth.”

David Moore, IBMG’s Chairman said: “On behalf of all at IBMG, I would like to congratulate Martin on his new role and thank Nick for his drive and unstinting commitment over the last few years. Our current industry standing is testament to the great company and great team that he built. We are delighted that we will continue to benefit from his ongoing contributions to the Board. Martin inherits a business that is in great shape so we fully anticipate that with his strong  leadership and our outstanding teams, we will continue to deliver exceptional growth.”

For further information, please contact Katherine Ritchie on 020 8347 6183 or 07941 040021