The IPG has appointed highly respected industry leader Dean Jepson as its new Managing Director.

Bringing nearly 40 years of experience across the plumbing, heating and smart controls sectors, Jepson is expected to work closely with independent plumbing merchants, bathroom and kitchen showrooms and supplier partners to ensure the buying group continues to provide the commercial support, buying power and opportunities members need to thrive in an increasingly competitive market.

He joins The IPG with a track record of delivering commercial growth, developing high-performing teams and building successful brands across the UK and Europe. Having spent more than three decades in senior leadership roles, he says his priority is to ensure every member feels they have a trusted partner invested in their long-term success.

The IPG says the appointment reflects its continued commitment to evolving its proposition around the needs of its members. Recognising that no two independent businesses are the same, Jepson is passionate about creating an environment where every member, regardless of size, location or ambition, has access to the tools, supplier relationships and commercial opportunities that will help them achieve their own goals.

Jepson began his career at the age of 16 as a plumbing and heating apprentice before establishing his own business at just 24 years old. Having experienced the realities of running an independent business himself, he understands the pressures members face every day, from protecting margins and managing growth to building long-term customer relationships.

His move into manufacturing saw him join Trianco as Area Sales Manager for Scotland, where his commercial success quickly led to promotion as National Sales Director, overseeing sales growth across the UK.

In 2002, Jepson joined Computime to establish the Salus Controls brand in the UK. Following its domestic success, he expanded the business across Europe, helping transform Salus into one of the continent's leading smart controls brands through strong partnerships and sustained commercial growth.

Speaking about his appointment, Jepson said: "The opportunity to join The IPG was one I simply couldn't ignore. Independents are the backbone of our industry, and I believe The IPG is uniquely positioned to help them compete, grow and thrive.

"My vision is to ensure every member gains a genuine competitive advantage through their membership. That means delivering value well beyond purchasing, strengthening supplier relationships and providing the commercial support that enables members to build stronger, more profitable businesses."

Jepson believes one of his immediate priorities is ensuring members are fully aware of everything available to them through The IPG and are supported in making the most of those opportunities.

"Every member's business is different. Some are focused on growth, others on succession planning, expanding into new markets or developing their showroom offering. There isn't a one-size-fits-all approach and there shouldn't be."

"My job is to make sure every member has every opportunity to succeed in the way that's right for their business. That means listening, understanding what matters to them and continually evolving our proposition so we're delivering real value where it makes the biggest difference."

Reflecting on his career, Jepson says the common thread has always been helping businesses grow.

"Whether I've been running my own business, leading sales organisations or developing brands across Europe, growth has always been my focus. That same mindset will shape everything we do at The IPG. If we can help our members become stronger, more profitable and better prepared for the future, then we've done our job."