Timber Development UK names Patrick Guest as Executive Chair

Timber Development UK (TDUK) has announced that long-serving Chair Chris Sutton has stepped down from his position. Vice Chair Patrick Guest has assumed the newly created role of Executive Chair

Patrick Guest, Executive Chair of TDUK

The changes took effect on 1 July 2026, following the Governing Board meeting on 18 June.

Chris Sutton, former Managing Director of James Latham, had served as Chair since 2021 and played a leading role in the formation of TDUK following the merger of the Timber Trade Federation and TRADA.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with TDUK,” said Mr Sutton. “We’ve overseen a number of positive initiatives during a period of challenging market conditions. Dave Hopkins and the team have developed a strong programme that continues to drive the timber market forward. I believe I am leaving the organisation in a much stronger position, well equipped to face the future.”

Mr Sutton will continue to support TDUK as a trade ambassador over the coming years.

Patrick Guest, whose career in the timber industry includes director roles at Arnold Laver, NTG and Saint-Gobain, has taken on the position of Executive Chair. The newly created role combines the Board governance responsibilities of the Chair with supporting the CEO and Executive Team in delivering TDUK’s strategic objectives.

Speaking about his appointment, Mr Guest said: “First, it is important to recognise the excellent work Chris did during his five and a half years as Chair. TDUK is now well placed to lead the discussion and development of timber in the UK. My role is to support TDUK’s continued development and help establish it as the voice of a growing industry, representing the whole supply chain. I am excited to be taking this role on and look forward to getting out to member meetings across the country.”  

The Governing Board meeting in June also saw the appointment of three new directors to strengthen the representation at Board level: Simon Woods, European Sales, Marketing & Logistics Director at West Fraser UK; Greg Cooper, Managing Director, Hybrid Structures; and Greg Pickett, Managing Director at Taylor Maxwell and former Chair of East Anglia Timber Trade Association.  

For more information on the Board members of TDUK see www.timberdevelopment.uk/governance.