Birkdale strengthens leadership team with new CEO and CFO appointments

Birkdale strengthens leadership team with new CEO and CFO appointments

Leading UK fencing products and systems supplier Birkdale has announced a series of senior appointments to strengthen its C-suite and leadership team as the business enters its next chapter of growth.

Robert Marsh, currently Chief Operating Officer, has been appointed Chief Executive Officer, while Group Finance Director Jonathan Gibson steps up to the role of Chief Financial Officer. Founder and Chairman John Abernethie, who established the business in 1982, will move into the position of Executive Chairman, providing continuity of vision and values as the business accelerates its long-term growth strategy.

Robert Marsh appointed Chief Executive Officer

Robert joined Birkdale in June 2025, and in his new role as CEO, will lead the business day to day and drive the delivery of Birkdale’s growth strategy, building on its strong foundations of product innovation, supply chain reliability and customer-first service, while accelerating its ambition to make fencing easier to buy, sell, specify and install.

He said: “It’s a privilege to be taking on the role of CEO at such an exciting time for Birkdale. We’ve invested significantly in our people, our products, our brands and our digital platforms. I’m looking forward to building on that momentum alongside Jonathan, John and the wider Birkdale team as we innovate, grow and make the entire fencing experience easier for our customers and the wider industry.”

Jonathan Gibson appointed Chief Financial Officer

Jonathan joined Birkdale as Head of Finance in July 2023, and in his new role as CFO, will lead the group’s financial strategy, supporting Birkdale’s continued investment in innovation, new fencing products and systems, digital capability and customer service.

Jonathan Gibson, Chief Financial Officer at Birkdale, said: “Birkdale is in a strong position, and this new structure gives us the platform to make the most of it. My focus will be on making sure we have the financial strength and discipline to keep investing in what matters most to our customers, from innovative products and smarter systems to stock availability and customer-first digital tools. I’m delighted to be working alongside Rob and John as we take the business forward.”

John Abernethie moves to Executive Chairman

John founded Birkdale in 1982 from his home on Birkdale Road, drawing on his own experience as a fencer to supply accessories that made installers’ lives easier. Over more than four decades, he has grown the company from an accessories supplier into a UK fencing products and systems business, overseeing the launch of the GATEMATE®, FENCEMATE® , SITEMATE® and Ellumière™ brands, the development of the DuraPost® fencing system and the opening of the company’s 50,000 sq ft distribution centre.

As Executive Chairman, John will remain closely involved with the business, working alongside the new leadership team on Birkdale’s long-term direction.

He said: “When I started Birkdale more than 40 years ago, the aim was to make life a bit easier for fencers. It’s been incredibly rewarding to see the business grow while staying true to that. Today, that same principle extends across everything we do, from the products and systems we develop to the way customers buy, sell and work with us. Rob and Jonathan have both played a huge part in Birkdale’s recent progress, and they are the right people to lead it into its next chapter. I’m proud to hand over the day-to-day leadership to them, and I look forward to supporting them as Executive Chairman.”

The appointments mark a significant step in Birkdale’s long-term growth, combining the experience and entrepreneurial heritage that have shaped the business with a leadership team focused on innovation, disciplined investment and redefining what customers should expect from the fencing industry. Central to that direction is the clear ambition to make fencing easier to buy, sell, specify, install and enjoy.

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