In brief: Norman Piette Group has appointed Glenn Paddison as its new Group Chief Executive Officer, succeeding John Bampkin who held the role for seven years. Paddison brings a career rooted in the builders’ merchant industry and has been mentored by his predecessor.
A New Chapter for an Island Institution
Norman Piette Group, one of the Channel Islands’ most established businesses, has named Glenn Paddison as its new Group CEO. The appointment, reported by Bailiwick Express, marks the end of a seven-year tenure for outgoing chief executive John Bampkin, who leaves the business in what appears to be thoroughly good hands, having personally mentored his successor earlier in Paddison’s career.
The Group operates builders’ merchant and hire businesses across Jersey, Guernsey and Alderney, making it a significant presence in the day-to-day commercial and construction life of the islands. For anyone who has ever needed timber, tools or trade supplies in Jersey, the Norman Piette name will need no introduction.
Who Is Glenn Paddison?
Paddison’s career trajectory is the sort that tends to inspire confidence: he started out in a builders’ merchant yard, worked his way up to branch director at MKM, and went on to chair the Builders Merchants Federation Young Merchants Group. He also served on the management board of the Institute of Builders Merchants and became a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Builders Merchants. In short, this is a man who knows which end of a timber yard is which.
Speaking on his appointment, Paddison said: “What excites me most is the opportunity to lead a Group with such a proud heritage, strong businesses and enormous potential for the future. Having spent time within the Group, I have seen first-hand the knowledge and commitment of our people and the strength of the relationships they have built with customers and suppliers across the Channel Islands.”
He described his approach as one of stewardship, saying he intends to respect what has been built while “ensuring the Group continues to thrive for generations to come.” His stated priorities include listening to colleagues, customers and suppliers, making commercially sound decisions and investing responsibly. Developing employees and creating career opportunities will also feature prominently, drawing on his own progression through the industry from yard to boardroom.
Bampkin Bows Out with Pride
Outgoing CEO John Bampkin, who led the Group for seven years, was generous in his farewell remarks. “I am delighted that Glenn is succeeding me as CEO of this fantastic business,” he said. “I have known him for many years and had the pleasure of mentoring him earlier in his career, so it is particularly rewarding to see him take on this role.”
Bampkin added that leading the Group had been “a privilege” and expressed confidence that Paddison would build on what had been achieved. It is the kind of handover that shareholders and staff alike tend to find reassuring: an orderly succession, a familiar face, and a clear sense of continuity.
Under Paddison’s leadership, the Group’s senior leadership team will focus on customer service, reliable product availability and competitive value, while also exploring innovations to make the business easier to deal with. Maintaining the Group’s independence and local expertise are also stated aims, which will be welcome news to those who value Channel Islands businesses remaining in Channel Islands hands.
Source: Bailiwick Express, Channel Eye
