Nixon Hire has announced a major leadership change as part of the company’s ongoing strategic evolution.

After a decade as Chief Executive Officer and an impressive 37 years with the company, Graham Nixon will transition to the role of Non-Executive Director on the main Board, effective 1 August 2025. He will continue to serve as the majority shareholder and remain actively involved in shaping the company’s long-term strategy, while stepping back from day-to-day operations.

Current Chief Operating Officer Brian Cornett will succeed Nixon as CEO.

Graham Nixon, who took over the family business from his father, John Nixon, has been a driving force behind Nixon Hire's transformation from a generalist hire firm to a specialist provider of sustainable site solutions. Under his leadership, the company recently sold its large plant division in 2024 and announced the sale of its welfare van business to sharpen focus and investment in its core sustainability offering.

Graham 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.

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"What's made the journey so special are the people I've worked alongside, many of whom have had careers in the business spanning several decades. Nixon Hire has always been about people – colleagues, customers and business partners. I’m incredibly grateful for the support, dedication, and friendships I’ve built along the way, many of which I know I'll have for life.

"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. I'll remain involved as a Non-Executive Director and look forward to supporting Brian and the wider team as we continue to pursue our ambition to become the UK’s leading experts in sustainable sites."

Incoming CEO Brian Cornett joined Nixon Hire in May 2024 and has worked closely with Nixon since then. Cornett brings significant commercial and operational experience, having previously served as UK Operations Director at Cross Rental Services and as co-founder of Speedy Hire’s Power Division. Since joining Nixon Hire, he has played a key role in realigning the business with its sustainability-driven strategy.

"Thanks to clear strategic direction, forward thinking and a shared belief in our vision, Nixon Hire is fast becoming the go-to partner for sustainable site solutions nationwide," he said. "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. We have a hugely talented team, and I look forward to working closely with them as we enhance our capabilities, grow market share and deliver ever greater value for customers."

The leadership transition comes at a time of strong performance for the business. In 2024, John Nixon Limited posted record results, with turnover rising 8.6% to £108.3 million and operating profit up 6.3% to £7.8 million. The succession plan is fully supported by shareholders and signals continued confidence in Nixon Hire’s direction as it accelerates toward becoming a national leader in sustainable site solutions.