62 | People
Sally Spencer retires after 31 years on TTJ
TTJ deputy editor Sally Spencer has retired after serving for 31 years reporting for the journal on the UK and international wood industries. Sally, who was also deputy editor of TTJ sister title Wood Based Panels International, was known for her knowledge, good contacts, writing skills, and expertise, with a particular special interest in the British and Irish sawmilling sectors, wood preservatives and treatment, plus materials handling.
“I joined the magazine on January 16th, 1995, when the publishing house was Benn Brothers,” Sally explained.
“The editor at the time was Audrey
Dixon and our publisher was David Wildman. The magazine has gone through several incarnations since then, under different editors and different ownership but the main changes of note over the last 30 years have been within the timber industry itself.
TTJ deputy editor Sally Spencer
“For me, the most striking of these has been the acceptance of timber’s environmental credentials and the fact that these can be used as a very effective marketing tool. When I joined TTJ, the
timber trade had a very much ‘us and them’ attitude towards environmental lobbyists and we fairly regularly covered stories of eNGOs invading and boycotting timber yards.
“The other major changes are the almost incredible advances in technology - both on the processing side and on the operational side. News was delivered to the TTJ office via phone or post, for example, and companies in the Baltic states stood out as being the only ones to routinely use email.”
“Sally has been a fantastic part of TTJ for over 30 years,” said TTJ editor Stephen Powney. “She is well liked in the industry, and her depth of experience will be sorely missed, but we wish her well in her retirement!”
TTJ is glad to report that Sally’s name is still likely appear in TTJ on occasions, as she will contribute several articles on a freelance basis.
IBMG news CEO New Travis Perkins CEO Gavin Slark takes up the reins
The Independent Builders Merchant Group (IBMG) has appointed Matthew Parker as new CEO.
His appointment follows the decision in December of former CEO Martin Stables, who had led the Group since 2021, to step down to pursue other opportunities. Mr Parker brings nearly 20 years of senior leadership experience across complex, multi- site and operationally intensive businesses. He has a strong track record of leading organisations through periods of growth and transformation, with a particular focus on operational excellence, disciplined execution and developing high-performing teams. Before joining IBMG, Matthew held senior
executive roles within the sector. most recently serving as the Managing Director of Wolseley Group’s Infrastructure division, responsible for scaling the business.
New Travis Perkins plc CEO Gavin Slark commenced working at the building materials giant on January 1, 2026. His appointment was initially announced
in May, 2025, with Mr Slark now taking up his new position.
Mr Slark was recruited following a rigorous search process. Travis Perkins says he is a highly experienced public company CEO and has significant experience of the building materials and merchanting industry. He has been CEO of SIG plc since 2023, prior to which he was CEO of Grafton Group plc between 2011 and the end of 2022. Between 2006 and 2011, Gavin was CEO of The BSS Group plc before its acquisition by Travis Perkins. “Gavin brings with him unrivalled experience of the sector in addition to a long pedigree as a CEO of significant public companies,” Geoff Drabble, Chair of the Board, said in the original appointment announcement.
People briefs New IBMG CEO Matthew Parker TTJ | Spring 2026 |
www.ttjonline.com
Kerry Cameron has been appointed as the new managing director of Pinewood Structures. Kerry succeeds Geoff Arnold, who recently stepped down to pursue other interests. David Oldfield has been appointed as operations director of PDF, effective from February. David formerly worked at Arnold Laver and EDSi DoorSets. Nairn-based Gordon Timber has recruited Gavin Walker as managing director. Mr Walker held previous roles at Baxters Food Group and LifeScan.
New TP CEO Gavin Slark
“We are all very much looking forward to working with him.
“Gavin is well placed to continue the work we have started to re focus and change the way we operate in order to better serve our customers and work effectively with our suppliers, as well as engage and motivate our teams.”
People
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