The Bathroom Manufacturers Association (BMA) has announced the appointment of Craig Baker as its new president following its annual general meeting held in Leeds. Baker is the global chief innovation officer at Kohler Company and takes over from Jason Parker, MD at Thomas Dudley.
With a career spanning over 27 years, Craig Baker has established himself as a visionary leader in the bathroom manufacturing sector. He began his journey as a design engineer at Mira Showers, which is owned by Kohler Company, in 1997. He rose through the ranks, serving on the Kohler Mira leadership team for 16 years in various strategic roles. In January 2024, he was appointed Chief Innovation Officer, responsible for driving product design globally and overseeing Kohler’s Kitchen & Bath Group in the UK.
In his first address as BMA President, Craig Baker expressed his gratitude 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 2 years is both forward-thinking and focused on ensuring that the BMA continues to meet the evolving needs of its members. At the heart of the BMA’s vision are three core priorities:
1. Reducing Environmental Impact: The BMA will lead efforts to help members reduce their environmental impact by promoting best practices and setting industry standards for sustainability.
2. Raising Industry Standards: The association will continue to push for higher standards across the sector, ensuring that product quality, safety, and customer satisfaction are at the forefront of its activities.
3. Market Growth and Understanding: The BMA will work to deepen its understanding of market trends and dynamics, providing members with the insights they need to grow and succeed in a competitive global market.
To support these priorities, the BMA is also planning to enhance its data pooling and market reporting capabilities and increase its lobbying efforts, ensuring that government policies are aligned with the interests of the bathroom manufacturing sector.
"The BMA is committed to being the driving force for positive change in our industry," Baker said. "Over the next 2 years, we will not only meet the challenges of a rapidly evolving market but seize opportunities for growth and innovation. We will focus on sustainability, improving standards, and helping our members thrive in a competitive landscape. Together, we will shape the future of bathroom manufacturing."
Tom Reynolds, chief executive of the BMA, echoed Baker’s sentiments, highlighting the exciting direction in which the association is heading. He said: "Under Craig's leadership, we have a clear path to enhance further the benefits we offer to our members. From expanding our presence at key industry events like InstallerSHOW in the UK and KBIS in the USA to influencing policy decisions directly impacting our sector, we are committed to delivering on our mission to support our members and grow the bathroom manufacturing industry."
Baker added: "The bathroom manufacturing industry is at a pivotal moment, and I am excited to lead the BMA into this new era. Together, we will ensure our members are equipped to face future challenges, capitalise on new opportunities, and set the standards for excellence and innovation in our field."
