Arco appoints Guy Bruce as new CEO of safety firm

New Arco CEO Guy Bruce

By Simon Bristow

The Board of Arco has announced that Guy Bruce has joined the company as Chief Executive Officer, succeeding former MD, David Evison, who has recently retired, to help lead the company in its next phase of development and accelerate its ambitious plans for growth.

Guy joins the business from Equans, where he was the Interim Managing Director, and prior to that was at the specialist building materials distributor SIG plc. He brings with him a wealth of experience from the industry, with significant achievements in delivering transformative growth across distribution, retail, service and manufacturing businesses, both domestically and internationally, within private and public companies.

Arco is an expert in keeping people safe at work, focusing on joined-up safety solutions, which start with mitigating risks through to providing training and equipment. Arco plays a leading role within the industry, helping to shape the UK’s health and safety agenda.

Arco’s strategic plan, Destination 2025, sets out how it will grow over the next three years and adopt new and innovative ideas to future-proof the business.

Guy will develop this strategy further by maximising the potential of the significant investments undertaken by Arco over recent years, and by accelerating digital transformation, enhancing customer experience and driving sustainability.

As an advocate of collaborative working, Guy will also increase engagement between the business and colleagues, strengthen supplier partnerships and work closely with customers.

Arco Chairman Thomas Martin said: “I am thrilled to have Guy in post at Arco to help take our family-owned business forwards. Guy is a proven leader and his experience in delivering transformational growth throughout his career will be very beneficial to Arco as we continue delivering remarkable and effortless experiences for our customers, and ultimately keeping people safe at work.” 

Guy Bruce said: “I’m delighted to be joining Arco at this exciting phase in the company’s history. The chance to lead the transition from family-run to family-owned is unique and the prospect of accelerating our plans for growth are exciting.

“As we re-focus our efforts following the Covid-19 pandemic, Arco, like other businesses, will need to face into the challenges of the current economic climate. However, our foundations are strong, built on multigenerational values and heritage, and will support us in continuing to evolve the business and build for the future.”