Timber Development UK (TDUK) has announced a significant leadership transition with the appointment of Patrick Guest as its new Executive Chair. The change took effect on 1 July 2026 following decisions made during the organisation’s Governing Board meeting held on 18 June. The appointment marks a new phase for the trade body as it continues to strengthen its position as the leading voice for the UK timber sector.
The leadership transition follows the departure of long-serving Chair Chris Sutton, who has stepped down after guiding the organisation through a transformative period. His tenure included the successful establishment of Timber Development UK following the merger of the Timber Trade Federation and TRADA, creating a unified organisation representing the timber supply chain.
Leadership Transition Marks a New Chapter
Chris Sutton served as Chair since 2021. Before joining TDUK, he was Managing Director of James Latham and brought extensive experience from the timber distribution sector.
During his time as Chair, several strategic initiatives were introduced despite difficult trading conditions across the construction and timber markets. The organisation expanded its industry engagement while strengthening support for members throughout the supply chain.
The leadership structure has now been updated.
Patrick Guest has assumed the newly created position of Executive Chair. The role combines traditional board governance responsibilities with direct support for the Chief Executive Officer and executive leadership team in delivering the organisation’s strategic objectives.
The appointment became effective on 1 July.
Chris Sutton Reflects on His Tenure
Speaking about his departure, Chris Sutton described his time leading the organisation as rewarding and highlighted the progress made during a challenging market environment.
He noted that numerous positive initiatives had been delivered under the leadership of Chief Executive Dave Hopkins and the wider executive team. These programmes were developed to encourage greater use of timber and support long-term market growth.
Sutton also expressed confidence that the organisation is now in a stronger position to meet future industry challenges.
His involvement with Timber Development UK will continue.
He has been appointed as an Ambassador for the timber industry and is expected to support the organisation’s activities in the coming years.
His experience will remain valuable.
Patrick Guest Takes on Expanded Responsibilities
Patrick Guest brings decades of experience from senior leadership positions across the timber and construction products sector.
His professional background includes director roles at Arnold Laver, National Timber Group (NTG) and Saint-Gobain. This broad commercial experience is expected to support the organisation as it continues to represent businesses throughout the timber value chain.
As Executive Chair, Guest will oversee board governance while also working closely with the executive leadership team to help achieve TDUK’s strategic priorities.
The new position has been created to provide stronger alignment between governance and operational delivery.
Greater collaboration is expected.
Focus on Industry Representation
Following his appointment, Patrick Guest acknowledged the contribution made by Chris Sutton over the past five and a half years.
He stated that Sutton had played an important role in establishing Timber Development UK as a respected industry organisation following the merger of its predecessor bodies.
Guest also emphasised that the organisation is now well positioned to lead discussions surrounding timber’s future role within the UK construction sector.
He explained that his priority will be to support the organisation’s continued development while strengthening its position as the representative voice for the entire timber supply chain.
Member engagement will remain a key focus.
Meetings are expected to be held across the country as part of this ongoing commitment.
Governing Board Strengthened with New Directors
The June Governing Board meeting also resulted in three new appointments designed to broaden industry representation at board level.
Simon Woods has joined the board. He serves as European Sales, Marketing and Logistics Director at West Fraser UK and brings extensive experience from the timber manufacturing sector.
Greg Cooper has also been appointed. As Managing Director of Hybrid Structures, he contributes expertise in engineered timber construction and structural solutions.
Greg Pickett completes the latest group of appointments. He is Managing Director at Taylor Maxwell and previously served as Chair of the East Anglia Timber Trade Association.
The new directors strengthen the board’s knowledge across manufacturing, distribution and construction markets.
Industry representation has therefore been expanded.
Supporting the Future of the UK Timber Sector
Timber Development UK continues to play a central role in promoting timber as a sustainable construction material while supporting businesses operating throughout the supply chain.
The latest leadership changes reflect the organisation’s commitment to strong governance, industry collaboration and strategic growth. By combining experienced leadership with broader board representation, TDUK is positioning itself to respond to changing market conditions and emerging opportunities across the construction sector.
With Patrick Guest now serving as Executive Chair and Chris Sutton continuing as an industry ambassador, the organisation enters its next phase with a clear focus on strengthening industry engagement, supporting innovation and promoting timber as an increasingly important material for the built environment.
The expanded leadership team is expected to help reinforce TDUK’s position as the collective voice of the UK timber industry while supporting long-term growth across the sector.
