The newly created position signals a new, digital-focused direction for the buying society.

Rex Nye has joined the National Merchant Buying Society as its Digital Director.

Nye has more than 12 years’ experience working within the builder’s merchants industry, and throughout that time has worked with NMBS as both a supplier and a member.

He is the former Managing Director of the Nye Group - which includes truss and metal web joist supplier TrussTec, Fixings & Powertool Center, and NYEs Building Supplies. He was also an executive board member of the National Buying Group for more than five years.

“As part of my role across the Nye Group, I focussed on business strategy from a digital perspective including e-commerce, digital growth and IT systems development,” said Nye.

“This experience means that I have an understanding around the barriers that can slow or prevent digital change in these types of businesses. Having previously been a supplier and member of NMBS, I’m uniquely placed to help evolve its digital offering in line with the needs of growing and changing businesses.

“This is a transitional but exciting period for the industry and the digital advancements that we’ve got planned will not only increase the benefits for members and suppliers, but will help businesses to future-proof their offering.”

As part of his role, Nye will be implementing NMBS’s new digital strategy, developing its data analytics and business insights capabilities, and evolving its B2B Marketplace, OnePlace.