After eight years of service, Iain McIlwee confirmed today that later this year he will be stepping down as CEO of FIS and the process has begun to find his replacement. In this short article Iain reflects on his time at FIS and the exciting opportunity to lead the next chapter for the FIS and wider sector.

Eight years ago, I was entrusted with the role of Chief Executive at Finishes and Interiors Sector (FIS). Today, I am confirming that later this year I will be handing that responsibility on to someone new.

This has not been an easy decision as FIS has always been more than a job to me. I care deeply about this sector, the people within it and the vital role FIS plays in helping drive positive change. Representing our members has been one of the greatest privileges of my career and, hand on heart, I have given everything I have to that mission throughout my tenure.

There is never a perfect time to move on from something that means so much, but after eight years it feels like the right moment to pass the baton and allow someone new to lead FIS into its next chapter.

What has driven me every day in this role is doing right by the people. The businesses and individuals who turn drawings into reality, overcome challenges every day and quite literally put the wow into buildings. The trust placed in me by members and the FIS team over the years has been humbling, and I will always be grateful for it.

When I joined FIS, the organisation was still relatively early in its journey following the merger that brought together different parts of our sector under a single banner. Over the past eight years, we have continued to strengthen that collective voice, grow our influence and raise the profile of an industry that plays a critical role in delivering safe, high-quality and sustainable buildings.

The backdrop has been one of unprecedented challenge and change. Together, we navigated COVID, waves of inflation and supported the sector through the profound reforms that followed the Grenfell tragedy and continue to reshape construction. We have prioritised the competency agenda, strengthened our leadership on sustainability, championed better procurement through the Responsible No campaign and intensified the fight against poor payment practices and cash retentions. Seeing the Commercial Payments Bill progress through Parliament is a reminder of what can be achieved when industry comes together behind a shared cause.

No Chief Executive achieves anything on their own, and any success attributed to me is really a reflection of the people around me. I owe an enormous debt of gratitude to the FIS Board for their leadership and support, and to the amazing FIS team for their dedication, passion and unwavering commitment to our members.

As I prepare for the next chapter, I do so with complete confidence in the future of FIS. We have an outstanding team, a clear purpose and a membership that continues to demonstrate the very best of our sector. The work is far from done, but I know FIS will continue to play a leading role in driving positive change in construction.  To whoever follows me, I can only commend this role. If you are passionate about making a difference, bringing people together and helping to lead change, there are few opportunities in our industry that offer the same privilege, challenge and reward.

Before I sign off, I want to leave one final call to action.

FIS is at its best when members get involved. When people share their experience, challenge thinking, contribute expertise and work together to improve our sector, good things happen.  Whether you are already a member or considering joining, my message is simple: don’t take FIS for granted and don’t stand on the sidelines. The greater the participation, the stronger our collective voice becomes and the more we can achieve together.  My experience over the past eight years has shown me time and time again that when we come together behind shared challenges and opportunities, we are greater than the sum of our parts. More influential. More effective. Better able to shape the future of our industry.

FIS will always be defined by its members. Please continue to support it, challenge it and help shape it.

In return, my final promise is that I will leave nothing on the pitch over the next three months as we manage this transition and continue building on these strong foundations.

FIS is now welcoming applications from interested and ambitious candidates to lead the next chapter for FIS and the wider sector.

Could this exciting opportunity be your next career move? Find out more about the role and take the next step towards making an impact for the finishes and interiors sector.