Former chair Chris Sutton steps down, while three new directors join the governing board.
Timber Development UK (TDUK) has appointed Patrick Guest as its executive chair after long-serving chair Chris Sutton stepped down from the role.
The leadership changes took effect on 1 Jul following the organisation’s governing board meeting on 18 Jun.
Sutton, the former managing director of James Latham, had served as chair since 2021. He played a leading role in establishing TDUK following the merger of the Timber Trade Federation and TRADA.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with TDUK,” Sutton said. “We’ve overseen a number of positive initiatives during a time of not so positive market conditions. Dave Hopkins and the team have put a strong programme together to help keep pushing the markets for timber forward. I believe I am leaving the organisation in a far stronger position, fit to face the future.”
Sutton will continue to support TDUK as an ambassador for the industry.
Guest, who previously served as vice-chair, has held senior leadership positions at Arnold Laver, NTG and Saint-Gobain. His new role combines the governance responsibilities of the chair with supporting the chief executive and executive team in delivering TDUK’s objectives.
Paying tribute to Sutton, Guest said: “First, it is important to recognise the excellent work Chris did during his five and a half years as chair. TDUK is now well placed to lead the discussion and development of timber in the UK.”
“My role is to support TDUK’s continued development and help establish it as the voice of a growing industry, representing the whole supply chain,” he added. “I am excited to be taking this role on and look forward to getting out to member meetings across the country.”
The governing board also appointed three new directors in Jun to strengthen board-level representation: Simon Woods, European sales, marketing and logistics director at West Fraser UK; Greg Cooper, managing director of Hybrid Structures; and Greg Pickett, managing director of Taylor Maxwell and former chair of the East Anglia Timber Trade Association.
