Nixon Hire has revealed a leadership change as CEO Graham Nixon steps down after 37 years with the company.
Starting this Friday, Nixon will transition to the role of non-executive director, remaining the company’s majority shareholder and continuing to guide its strategic direction, while stepping back from day-to-day operations.
His successor, Brian Cornett, currently the chief operating officer, will take over as CEO.
Nixon, who succeeded his father John Nixon at the helm, played a pivotal role in transforming the Newcastle-upon-Tyne hire company into a sustainable site solutions firm.
Under his leadership, the company divested non-core businesses to focus on long-term growth.
He will be relocating overseas with his family, marking the end of a significant chapter in the company’s history.
Cornett, who joined Nixon Hire in May 2024, brings his experience in operations and commercial strategy, having worked with Cross Rental Services as its UK operation director and as co-founder of Speedy Hire’s power division.
Nixon, said: “It’s been an incredible privilege to lead Nixon Hire and to build on the legacy my father began.
“The company has been a huge part of my life since I first started out in the depot at the age of 16, and I’m proud of how far we’ve come – especially the way we’ve adapted and evolved to reflect customer needs resulting in stronger growth over time.
“With Nixon Hire in a strong financial, market and leadership position and a wealth of opportunity ahead, now feels like the right time to hand over the reins and begin a new chapter abroad with my family.”
Cornett, added: “We’re building something genuinely exciting for our customers and our people, and I’m honoured to step into the role of CEO to help carry that momentum forward.”
The leadership change follows a 2024 financial year that saw the company report an 8.6 per cent increase in turnover to £108.3 million (FY2023: £99.6 million) and a 6.3 per cent rise in operating profit to £7.8 million (FY2023: £7.4 million).
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