New CEO for Nixon Hire as Graham Nixon steps down
22 July 2025
Brian Cornett will succeed Graham Nixon as chief executive officer.
Nixon Hire has announced a leadership transition, with chief executive officer (CEO) Graham Nixon set to step down after ten years in the role.
Nixon will move into a Non-Executive Director position on the company’s main Board, effective 1 August 2025, while continuing to serve as the majority shareholder.
The company’s current chief operating officer, Brian Cornett, will succeed him as chief executive officer.
Graham Nixon, who took over the family business from his father John Nixon in 2005, has spent 37 years at Nixon Hire.
Under his leadership, the company divested its large plant division in 2024 and more recently sold its welfare van business, redeploying capital to sharpen its focus on core strategic areas.
Graham Nixon said it has been an “incredible privilege to lead Nixon Hire and to build on the legacy my father began.”
He said, “What’s made the journey so special are the people I’ve worked alongside, many of whom have had careers in the business spanning several decades. Nixon Hire has always been about people – colleagues, customers and business partners. I’m incredibly grateful for the support, dedication, and friendships I’ve built along the way, many of which I know I’ll have for life.
“With Nixon Hire in a strong financial, market and leadership position and a wealth of opportunity ahead, now feels like the right time to hand over the reins and begin a new chapter abroad with my family. I’ll remain involved as a Non-Executive Director and look forward to supporting Brian and the wider team as we continue to pursue our ambition to become the UK’s leading experts in sustainable sites.”
Chairman Gerard Murray praised Nixon’s contribution to the business, “Graham has been an innovator and visionary leader of Nixon Hire, guiding the business through a period of purposeful change and laying strong foundations for long-term success. On behalf of the Board and everyone at the company, I want to thank him for his endeavour, unwavering commitment, and the lasting impact he has made.
“We’re delighted that Graham will remain on the Board as a Non-Executive Director, ensuring the business continues to benefit from his insight, vision and experience.
“As we look to the future, we’re fortunate to have someone of Brian’s calibre stepping into the CEO role. His appointment brings both continuity and renewed drive, giving us an ideal platform for the next phase of growth.”
Incoming CEO Brian Cornett joined the company as COO in May 2024 and has worked with Nixon over the past year. He brings operational and commercial experience, having previously served as UK Operations Director at Cross Rental Services and as co-founder of Speedy Hire’s Power Division.
Since joining Nixon Hire, Cornett has helped lead key aspects of the company’s transition and growth strategy, strengthening its operational focus and supporting long-term sustainability goals.
“Thanks to clear strategic direction, forward thinking and a shared belief in our vision, Nixon Hire is fast becoming the go-to partner for sustainable site solutions nationwide,” Cornett said.
“We’re building something genuinely exciting for our customers and our people, and I’m honoured to step into the role of CEO to help carry that momentum forward. We have a hugely talented team, and I look forward to working closely with them as we enhance our capabilities, grow market share and deliver ever greater value for customers.”
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