KBSA chair Richard Hibbert is stepping down to become the new managing director of the Kitchen Bathroom Buying Group (KBBG).
In a surprise move, current KBBG managing director Owain Harrison is leaving for a new yet-to-be confirmed role elsewhere in the sector and Hibbert has been announced as his successor.
With Hibbert’s KBSA spot now vacant, the association has named Luke Wedgbury as the organisation’s interim chair until a new chairperson is announced following a vote by members.
Hibbert says that it’s “business as usual’ at his own family KBB retail showroom KSL in Sudbury.
“We have a great team who are used to running operations without me, he said. “We have plenty of work ahead of us and a bright future.”
Hibbert has been chair of the KBSA for roughly a decade, and a member of the trade organisation’s Board from 2013. KSL is also a part of the KBBG, and he has been a member of the buying group’s Board since last year.
“This is the start of a new chapter in my KBB career, one where I will be continuing to build on what has always been my professional passion – to help independent KBB businesses to grow and thrive, with support, advice and understanding,” he said.
Outgoing KBBG managing director Owain Harrison took up the reins at the organisation only last year and, according to the company, its turnover, membership and supplier registrations have all seen a significant boost.
KBBG members were told of Harrison’s departure in a letter from the managing director this morning. “Before I go, I wanted to take a moment to thank you personally for your support, friendship and trust over the last 20 months,” he says. “When I joined KBBG, my ambition was simple: to build a stronger, more valuable buying group that genuinely put independent retailers first. Everything we set out to do was focused on helping members become more competitive, more profitable and better equipped for the future.”
The letter continued: “I leave knowing KBBG is in a stronger position than when I joined, and I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved together. Thank you once again for your trust, your friendship and your support. It has been a genuine privilege to serve as your Managing Director, and I wish you, your families and your businesses every success for the future.”
Ralph Leimbach, the managing director at Der Kreis Systemverbund said: “Through his personal commitment, Owain has helped to make our successful company in the UK even more successful…I would like to thank him for his work and wish him all the best for the future, both personally and professionally.
“At the same time, I am delighted that Richard Hibbert, an experienced and well-connected industry professional, is on hand to take KBBG forward with his expertise and ideas. I wish him a smooth start and every success!”
Reflecting on the decade he spent as KBSA chair, Hibbert said: “I’ve been lucky enough to serve as Chair for nearly 10 years and, when I look back, it’s really not about me.
“As a team we’ve managed to make the KBSA a much more central part of the industry, we’re in a stronger financial position, the conference has grown, and we’ve picked up our own offices, more staff and better member benefits along the way. Just recently we put in place a new structure and what I think is the strongest board we’ve had. I couldn’t be prouder of everything we’ve achieved together and I’m confident the KBSA’s best years are still ahead.”
KBSA interim chair Luke Wedgbury added: “Richard has led us brilliantly as Chair for the last nine years, taking the KBSA from strength to strength. I’d like to congratulate him on this really exciting new adventure, and thank him on behalf of all our members for his hard work, dedication and passion.
“He and I have worked closely on the board for a number of years, particularly on its new structure and plans for the association’s future, and it’s been a pleasure from start to finish. Good luck Richard – looking forward to seeing the next chapter unfold!”