Leading timber specialist, James Donaldson & Sons Ltd, has appointed Luke Roberts as Managing Director for Donaldson Timber Engineering (DTE).

Well known in the timber industry, Luke joined DTE in 2007 as Team Leader for I-Joists at the company’s Ilkeston branch, then became General Manager Ilkeston Joists in 2011 and was promoted to Business Development Director in 2017. In this role, he has been responsible for leading the technical sales team, mentoring the internal Assistant General Manager (AGM) programme and developing strategies for go-to-market products and services.

Luke has over 20 years of experience, having previously held positions at Walker Timber Group and National Hickman. He has a Post-graduate Diploma in Applied Management from Warwick Business School, and in 2017, he won the Timber Trade Journal (TTJ) award for career development. He has particular expertise in open web joists and has dedicated significant time to research and development of this product. He also played a key role in the development of DTE’s health and safety product, SafeWell, the only reusable and adjustable stairwell protection kit made from timber.

With responsibility for the development of DTE’s business, Luke will be supported by DTE’s senior leadership team, comprising Business Development Directors, Callum Henderson and Rodger Cook, and Finance Director, Avi Basu. The new team will play a key role in meeting the company’s ambitious growth goals, as well as building on DTE’s outstanding reputation for product quality, service and delivery.

Commenting on the appointment, Scott Cairns, Group Managing Director, Donaldson Group, said: “Since joining the business, Luke has proved himself time and time again in understanding what it takes to succeed, while ensuring that his esteem for colleagues and customers builds a mutual trust and respect from all. His integrity, ability and moral compass are unquestioned. DTE is an incredibly important part of our family group, and I can think of no-one better to head this market-leading business.

“This appointment reflects the Board’s confidence in Luke and the leadership team, and in the continued execution of the Company’s strategy as well as the development of its culture and values”

Luke says: “I feel extremely honoured to have been appointed as MD, and am proud to be leading a company with such an excellent reputation and remarkable history. This is an exciting time for the business, as we continue to position DTE as the UK’s leader in engineered timber products.”

Luke succeeds Jonathan Fellingham, who has been managing director of the business since 2009.

Fife-headquartered DTE is the UK’s largest and longest established manufacturer of roof trusses, engineered joists, beams and spandrel panels, with over 30 years of experience.