Speedy has hired ex-IKEA UK & Ireland digital chief Paul Jackson as the business moves to drive its online strategy and simplify tool and equipment hire for consumers.

Jackson joins the national construction equipment hire and services provider as Chief Digital Officer (CDO) from furniture giant Ikea, where he held the same position in the UK & Ireland.

He brings two decades of experience to the hire giant having led CRM, e-commerce, home delivery and data analytics strategies for several other household consumer brands, including Sainsburys and Argos.

The appointment follows Speedy’s launch into the DIY market with a dedicated digital ordering platform for consumers to hire tools and equipment and a network of concessions across 36 B&Q stores nationwide.

Jackson will join the business’s executive board and will be responsible for enhancing the firm’s digital proposition across its customer base, from consumers to large contractors.

Russell Down, Chief Executive at Speedy, said: “Creating a market-leading digital proposition is a strategic priority for our business as we expand into the DIY market. We need to benchmark ourselves beyond the hire sector to be truly successful.

“Paul’s wealth of experience in building online strategies for leading consumer retailers will be vital as we grow into the DIY market, while also meeting the needs of our entire customer base from small trades to large contractors.”

Paul Jackson, Chief Digital Officer at Speedy, said: “This is a really exciting time to join Speedy. The DIY market offers huge potential for growth and our 200-strong UK wide service centre network provides a fantastic foundation to build a digital strategy that will simplify and enhance the customer experience for consumers and businesses.

“This proposition, alongside the company’s clear sense of purpose in investing in its people, its communities and the environment, make this a compelling opportunity.”

Speedy employs approximately 3,500 people across 200 UK locations. The company is the UK's leading provider of tools, equipment and plant hire services to a wide range of customers in the construction, infrastructure and industrial markets, as well as to local trade and consumers.

For more information, visit: https://www.speedyservices.com/