Independent merchant buying group h&b has appointed Peter Fletcher as its new CEO.
Peter joins the group as part of its stated ongoing commitment of increasing value for members and becoming “an even more focused, profitable growth-driven, and sustainable business.”
Describing himself as “born and bred” in the building industry, Peter joined a Plumbing & Heating merchant in Nottingham at 16 while still dreaming of becoming a professional footballer. He has spent the majority of his career in the manufacturing sector, but with a “positive understanding and empathy of all merchants, distribution and the supply industry.”
Recently he was Divisional sales director with Genuit Group Residential Division, better known by customers and the industry as Polypipe, giving him “a thorough insight and plenty of experience in leadership within the industry and the art of negotiation.”
Going forward, Peter will be responsible for leading the h&b group’s strategic vision and growth, as well as helping to drive operational excellence and an enhanced member experience.
He said: “I want members to feel the value of h&b membership and for the group to see the value of our members’ success. Buying groups are all about buying better and improving profitability and long-term relationships with partnering manufacturers and suppliers, and I am all for that.
“I always like to think of a buying group as a being like a cricket team, they field together but bat individually. That sense of team ethos, with friendly competition, is vital to the success of h&b. My role will also involve me working with and leading a great team at h&b and to helping them all develop in their roles.”
Peter says he has already made a positive start in getting to know members, many of whom he had known and met through his career and is pleased to have received such a warm welcome.
Comprising more than 100 merchants from Jersey to northern Scotland, h&b group’s members have a combined turnover of more than £1billion.
