Executive Leadership team

Gavin joined SIG plc as an Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer on 1 February 2023.

Gavin was previously Chief Executive Officer at Grafton Group plc, the international building materials distributor and DIY retailer, for 11 years from 2011. He also served as Group CEO at BSS Group plc, a leading UK distributor to specialist trades, including the plumbing, heating and construction sectors. Gavin has significant experience in senior leadership positions within the pan-European construction distribution sector and a demonstrated history of enhancing shareholder value in publicly listed companies.

Ian has been an Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer of SIG plc since 1 July 2020.

Prior to joining SIG, Ian was Chief Financial Officer of Low & Bonar plc until its acquisition by the Freudenberg group. Before that, he was Chief Financial Officer of Labviva LLC, a US-based technology company. Ian spent a significant portion of his career at Smith & Nephew plc, where he held various senior finance positions in the UK, USA and Asia. Ian is a qualified chartered accountant and began his career at Ernst & Young LLP.

Julien joined SIG in 2018 as Managing Director France. Prior to joining SIG, Julien served as Managing Director France at Brammer Group and held senior positions at Nacco Materials Group. Julien has over 15 years of international experience in the specialist industrial distribution industry.

Marcin joined SIG in 1999 as Managing Director of SIG Poland. With over 25 years of experience in the specialist construction distribution industry, Marcin was previously Managing Director at Sitaco. Prior to this, he held several positions at Saint Gobain Isover before becoming Sales and Marketing Director for Isover Poland.

Bert joined SIG in 2023 as Managing Director Benelux and as a member of the ELT. Bert has a strong background in the building materials and pitched and flat roofing markets, having gained experience at renowned international companies, including BMI Monier and Icopal over the last 13 years.

Kevin joined SIG in June 2014 as Finance Director Ireland and became Managing Director Ireland in 2019. Prior to joining SIG, Kevin was the EMEA Finance Director for Glanbia Performance Nutrition and held the position of Finance Director for Grafton Merchanting Ireland. Kevin has over 22 years of experience in finance and leadership roles within the building merchanting industry.

Alfons re-joined SIG in 2021 and has over 25 years’ experience in the distribution and building materials industry. From 1998 to 2016, he held various positions with SIG Germany, including Managing Director and Chairman of the management board. Alfons has held several senior executive and advisory roles within the industry, he served as Regional President for BMI Monier and Managing Director for Contract Company Holding GmbH.

Julie joined SIG in 2022 as Group Health, Safety and Environment Director and oversees Group-wide activity related to health, safety, security and the environment. Julie has over 20 years of experience in the logistics and manufacturing sectors. She previously held senior roles at DS Smith plc and JELD-WEN and as HR & Safety Manager at RPC Group plc.

Julie joined SIG as Chief People Officer in 2021 and has over 20 years’ experience both in and outside of HR roles. Prior to joining SIG, Julie was CPO at Calisen Group. Prior to this, Julie held the position of Group HR Director at Thomas Cook and served as Customer Services Director at Manchester Airports Group .

Andrew joined SIG in 2019. He has over 25 years’ experience as legal counsel across public and private companies. Prior to joining SIG, Andrew was General Counsel at Hyve Group plc and General & Company Secretary at Ebiquity plc. Andrew spent the first half of his career working in law firms, including Trowers & Hamlins LLP where he was a Partner.

Chris joined SIG through an acquisition in 2005 and has held several finance roles including, most recently, UK Finance Director. In 2023, he was appointed Managing Director UK Exteriors and joined the ELT. Chris has over 26 years of experience in specialist merchanting with prior roles held at SIG Roofline & Building Products and Omnico Plastics Limited.

David re-joined SIG in 2020. He has over 25 years of industry expertise and held various roles at SIG from 2007 to 2017. He was appointed Managing Director UK Construction Accessories and Specialist Markets in 2022 and joined the ELT in 2023. David has previously served as Managing Director UK & Ireland Packaging at Antalis and Managing Director of Springvale EPS Insulation, a business division of CRH plc.

Sarah joined SIG in 2022 and became a member of the ELT in 2023. She oversees investor relations and internal and external communications. Sarah has over 20 years’ experience in corporate affairs and investor relations, with prior roles at Intertek Group plc, Accsys Technologies plc and Good Energy plc. She began her career in corporate law and corporate affairs in the telecommunications sector.

Howard Luft joined SIG in October 2024 as Managing Director UK Interiors and as a member of the ELT. He has a strong background in building materials distribution with over 40 years of experience in the sector. Prior to joining SIG, Howard was Chief Executive Officer at Selco Builders Warehouse. He previously served as Managing Director of CCF at Travis Perkins Group plc, Managing Director of Crown Paints and Managing Director at Buck & Hickman.