A former North East Company of the Year has announced changes at the top as its chief executive steps down as part of family plans to move abroad.
Nixon Hire has announced that CEO Graham Nixon will step down and transition to the role of non-executive director, after 10 years at the helm and 37 years at the company. Mr Nixon took over the family business from his father John Nixon in 2005, has been instrumental in reshaping Nixon Hire from a generalist hire company into a specialist partner focused on sustainable site solutions.
The firm – winner of Company of the Year at the North East Business Awards in 2014 – sold its large plant business in 2024 and most recently announced the sale of its welfarevan business, allowing it to focus its capital and resources on sustainable site solutions. Mr Nixon is relocating overseas as part of a long-planned family move, but will remain the company’s majority shareholder and continue to play an active role in guiding the company’s strategic direction.
He will be replaced by the company’s current chief operating officer, Brian Cornett, on August 1. Since joining the business in May 2024 the firm said that Mr Cornett has played a key role in advancing Nixon Hire’s vision, positioning it for long-term, sustainable growth.
Mr Nixon, outgoing CEO, 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.
“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 Ƶ’s leading experts in sustainable sites.”
Brian Cornett, incoming CEO, said: “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. 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.”
Gerard Murray, chairman, said: “Graham has been an innovator and visionary leader of Nixon Hire, guiding the business through a period of purposeful change and laying strong foundations for long-term success. On behalf of the board and everyone at the company, I want to thank him for his endeavour, unwavering commitment, and the lasting impact he has made. We’re delighted that Graham will remain on the board as a non-executive director, ensuring the business continues to benefit from his insight, vision and experience.
“As we look to the future, we’re fortunate to have someone of Brian’s calibre stepping into the CEO role. The 2024 financial results reflect a year of significant business change, and it is particularly pleasing that financial performance has been maintained. Brian’s appointment brings both continuity and renewed drive, giving us an ideal platform for the next phase of growth from an already strong base.”
