The KBSA (Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association) has announced that chair Richard Hibbert is stepping down to take up the position of managing director at DER KREIS KBBG.

Hibbert, who has served on the KBSA board since 2013 and has been chair since 2017, will take up his new role in August. During his tenure, he helped strengthen the association’s position within the KBB industry and oversaw the growth of the KBSA Conference and Design Awards into a key event in the sector’s calendar.

Vice chair Luke Wedgbury has been appointed interim chair until a successor is elected by members.

Commenting on the change, Wedgbury said: “Richard has led us brilliantly as chair for the last nine years, taking the KBSA from strength to strength. I’d like to congratulate him on this really exciting new adventure, and thank him on behalf of all our members for his hard work, dedication and passion.

“He and I have worked closely on the board for a number of years, particularly on its new structure and plans for the association’s future, and it’s been a pleasure from start to finish. Good luck Richard – looking forward to seeing the next chapter unfold!”

Reflecting on his time as chair, Hibbert said: “I’ve been lucky enough to serve as chair for nearly 10 years and, when I look back, it’s really not about me. As a team we’ve managed to make the KBSA a much more central part of the industry, we’re in a stronger financial position, the conference has grown, and we’ve picked up our own offices, more staff and better member benefits along the way.

“Just recently we put in place a new structure and what I think is the strongest board we’ve had. I couldn’t be prouder of everything we’ve achieved together and I’m confident the KBSA’s best years are still ahead.”

The KBSA said members will vote to appoint a new chair in due course. Until then, Wedgbury and the board will oversee the transition and remain available to support members throughout the process.