PEOPLE
Drayton has announced the appointment of Sébastien Rey as general manager, and Chintan Vyas as product manager for heating controls. In his new role, Rey will lead the strategic direction of the business, with a focus on supporting the continued growth of Drayton’s Plymouth site and building on the brand’s strong market
position in 2026 and beyond. Vyas with be responsible for Drayton’s Smart Home and Wiser portfolio, including its market-leading heating control solutions.
Landscaping supplier GRS Building Products Materials has appointed Dan Lowans as managing director. Lowas takes on the role from incumbent Lee Hudson
who has led the business since 2014, including an acquisition strategy that made GRS a nationwide supplier of bagged aggregates. Lee also secured contracts with the some of the UK’s best-known merchants and retailers, and oversaw the introduction of concrete products to the GRS portfolio.
Instantor, market-leaders in press solutions, has announced the appointment Jim Stafford as dedicated product manager to support the launch of its new underfloor heating range.
He brings with him almost 25 years of industry expertise, having previously held roles in plumbing and heating installation, sales, technical and design.
Steve Craig has been appointed as the 102nd president of the Plumbing and Heating Federation (SNIPEF). In his new role, Craig will work to commit to
strengthen member engagement, champion apprenticeship reform and ensure the profession remains at the forefront of discussions around skills, competence and the transition to net zero.
United Roofing Products (URP) has appointed Adam Carey as sales director He brings extensive
experience across the roofing and cladding construction
products sector, having held a range of technical sales, specification, distribution and commercial leadership roles at industry-leading businesses such as SFS, Filon and Ash & Lacy, where he developed expertise in sales strategy, team leadership, key account development and customer engagement.
The IPG has appointed Dean Jepson as its new managing director.
Brick manufacturer Vandersanden is pleased to announce the appointment of Camille Bailey, Alex Hernandez and Kim Martin to its growing UK team. The move forms part of Vandersanden’s wider efforts to work more closely with the architects and specifiers shaping Britain’s facades. Bailey and Martin join as specification manager. the two will support clients through the details of facade design and delivery, helping projects run smoothly and aligning solutions with practical requirements.
Hernandez has been appointed area sales manager for the Essex and Kent Region. Alex will be entrusted with building and nurturing relationships with merchants, architects and builders, to ensure regional sales are conducted smoothly.
Construction materials distributor BRCK Group, has announced that non
Triton Showers has appointed Guy Cowdry as product director to lead its innovation strategy, quality function and sustainability ambitions. Cowdry will head up
Triton’s product strategy from concept and development through to launch, optimisation and end-of-life, ensuring the UK manufacturer continues to deliver solutions that align with evolving customer needs, technical advancements and regulatory shifts.
executive chairman, John Richards, will step down following the conclusion of the 2027 Annual General Meeting, after nine years in the position.
Having led BRCK through its admission to trading on AIM in August 2019, the Group has grown under Richards, both organically and through M&A activity, including through the acquisition of Taylor Maxwell in July 2021 and most recently the acquisition of Jacksons. The Company has appointed Susan McErlain as senior independent director with immediate effect.
Bringing nearly 40 years of experience across the plumbing, heating and smart controls sectors,
Jepson will work closely with independent plumbing merchants, bathroom and kitchen showrooms and supplier partners to ensure the buying group continues to provide the commercial support, buying power and opportunities members need to thrive in an increasingly competitive market.
Jewson Major Build Solutions (MBS) has appointed Stuart Hayler as general manager of its Durham Hub.
In his new role, Hayler will be responsible for leading the team and managing all
operations from the Hub.
Part of the STARK Building Materials UK Ltd group of builders’ merchants and materials distributors, MBS provides tailored product and service support for large-scale building projects.
Hardware brand ERA has appointed Dan Knight as certification manager for Quanex Hardware Solutions . In his new role, Knight will play a key role in advancing
ERA’s independent Test Laboratory in the West Midlands.
His appointment follows Quanex’s purchase of the Tyman group in August 2024, which includes the brands ERA and Zoo Hardware. The two UK brands now sit alongside Giesse and Reguitti under Quanex Hardware Solutions.
16
www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net July 2026
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