The Bathroom Manufacturers Association (BMA) has revealed that Craig Baker was appointed its new president following the annual general meeting in Leeds. Baker, the global chief innovation officer at Kohler Company, succeeds Jason Parker, managing director at Thomas Dudley Ltd.
With a career spanning over 27 years, Craig Baker has made a name for himself as a visionary leader in the bathroom manufacturing industry. He began his career as a design engineer at Mira Showers, a subsidiary of Kohler Company, in 1997. He advanced through the ranks, spending 16 years on the Kohler Mira leadership team in various strategic positions. In January 2024, he was appointed chief innovation officer, tasked with driving product design globally and overseeing Kohler’s Kitchen & Bath Group in the UK.
In his inaugural address as BMA president, Craig Baker expressed his appreciation to outgoing president Jason Parker, stating:
“I sincerely thank Jason Parker for his outstanding leadership and commitment to the BMA. Working alongside him as vice president has been an incredible experience, and I have witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of his vision on our industry. It is an honour to follow in his footsteps, and I am committed to building on the strong foundation he has laid.”
The association’s agenda for the next two years is both progressive and focused on ensuring that the BMA continues to meet the evolving needs of its members. Central to the BMA’s vision are three core priorities:
- Reducing Environmental Impact: The BMA aims to lead initiatives to help members lessen their environmental footprint by promoting best practices and establishing industry standards for sustainability.
- Raising Industry Standards: The association will persist in advocating for elevated standards across the sector, ensuring product quality, safety, and customer satisfaction remain top priorities.
- Market Growth and Understanding: The BMA will strive to enhance its understanding of market trends and dynamics, offering members the insights necessary for growth and success in a competitive global landscape.
To support these priorities, the BMA also plans to improve its data pooling and market reporting capabilities and boost its lobbying efforts, ensuring that government policies align with the interests of the bathroom manufacturing sector.
“The BMA is committed to being the driving force for positive change in our industry,” Baker stated. “Over the next two years, we will not only tackle the challenges of a rapidly evolving market but also seize opportunities for growth and innovation. We will concentrate on sustainability, enhancing standards, and supporting our members in a competitive environment. Together, we will shape the future of bathroom manufacturing.”
Tom Reynolds, chief executive of the BMA, echoed Baker’s sentiments, underscoring the exciting direction the association is taking:
“Under Craig’s leadership, we have a clear pathway to further enhance the benefits we provide to our members. From expanding our presence at key industry events such as InstallerSHOW in the UK and KBIS in the USA to influencing policy decisions that directly affect our sector, we are dedicated to fulfilling our mission to support our members and advance the bathroom manufacturing industry.”
Baker added: “The bathroom manufacturing industry is at a pivotal moment, and I am eager to lead the BMA into this new era. Together, we will ensure our members are prepared to face future challenges, capitalise on new opportunities, and set the standards for excellence and innovation in our field.”