MKM Building Supplies, the UK’s proper builder’s merchant, has appointed Dave Castle as its first-ever Chief Operating Officer – a key move as the business continues to grow at pace.

Reporting to CEO Kate Tinsley, Dave brings over 20 years of experience in the building materials sector, most recently as Group Chief Commercial Officer and MD of BSS at Travis Perkins Group. His appointment signals the next step in MKM’s ambitious growth journey.

The move follows a standout year for MKM. In 2024, the business outperformed the market with 6.4% revenue growth, reaching £986 million, opened 11 new branches, and made strong progress in areas like HVAC and tool hire.

Commenting on his new role, Dave said:

“I’m thrilled to be joining MKM at such a pivotal time. What makes this business different is the unique mix of local, independent feel and national scale. It’s a merchant that genuinely puts tradespeople first – and that’s why it’s winning.

I’m looking forward to supporting our branch teams to keep doing what they do best: offering great service, fair pricing, and expert advice. Looking ahead, we’ll keep expanding into new areas, embracing smarter ways of working, and helping customers stay ahead of changes in the market – whether that’s environmental regulation or new product requirements.”

 

 

CEO Kate Tinsley added:

“Dave’s a fantastic addition to the team. His commercial experience, deep sector knowledge and leadership style are a great fit for MKM. As we scale up, his appointment reflects our focus on growing with purpose – investing in people, supporting branches, and staying true to our values.”

MKM’s growth plans include further branch openings in key locations, continued investment in operational improvements like smarter logistics and digital tools, and a sharper focus on sustainability – helping customers access more eco-friendly products and solutions.

Dave’s leadership style is rooted in empowerment and trust. He’s passionate about protecting the independence of MKM’s branches, ensuring teams have the tools, talent and support to succeed – and that customers always come first. Developing future talent is another key priority, with a focus on attracting new people to the trade and supporting career growth through hands-on learning and apprenticeships.

He added:

“From day one, the energy, pride and commitment at MKM was clear. It’s a business full of self-starters who care deeply about their customers and communities. I want to build on that culture, making MKM an even better place to work and do business – and keeping that local, personal service at the heart of everything we do.”

Find out more MKM news here.