SUNDERLAND: One of the North East's leading independent builders' and plumbers' merchants has strengthened its board with the appointment of one of the sector's most experienced executives.
Thompson Building Centres and TAPS have been joined by Tom McElkerney in the role of group managing director.
In his new position, Mr McElkerney, who is a Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute and a married father-of-two, will be aiming to strengthen and grow both the Thompson Building Centres' and TAPS brands.
He said: "The company has established two very strong business models and I am looking forward to working with such a great team."
Prior to joining the group, which has branches across the North East and Yorkshire, Mr McElkerney was managing director of Oxford-based chain, Plumbase.
Other highlights of his 35-year career include the role of national sales director and head of operations for Wolseley Build Centre as well as regional sales director for Wolseley Plumb Centre.
It was this knowledge of both plumbing and building supplies which appealed to Thompson Building Centres' chief executive, Anne Ganley. "We feel very fortunate to have been able to get someone of Tom's calibre to join us.
"His wealth of experience in both the builders merchants' and plumbing sectors will be of enormous benefit to the business and his inspirational leadership will be an asset not only to the teams in the branches but to everyone at senior management level, including myself.
"He has spent a lifetime bringing teams of people through the ranks and helping staff and businesses grow and we look forward to working with him."
Thompson Building Centres, founded in 1955, is the North East's largest independent builders' merchants with branches in Sunderland, Gateshead, Newcastle, Durham, Team Valley, South Shields and Yorkshire. The TAPS brand was set up eight years ago.
