Dan Lowans has become managing director of GRS Building Products, one of Britain’s foremost suppliers of bagged aggregates and landscaping materials.
Lowans brings more than two decades of senior-level experience across merchanting, sourcing and commercial operations, including 14 years with Travis Perkins in leadership roles in the UK and Asia. His more recent roles within the group were MD of Travis Perkins Hire followed by MD of Staircraft, a manufacturer of stairs, doors and floors. Before that he held executive positions at Wickes and Staples.
GRS says his appointment comes as it accelerates the growth of its building products division, which already supplies more than two million tonnes of packed materials annually through its national network of production facilities and in-house transport fleet, serving builders’ merchants, garden retailers and landscape contractors.
Lowans takes on the role from incumbent Lee Hudson who has led the business since 2014, including an acquisition strategy that made GRS a nationwide supplier of bagged aggregates. Hudson also secured contracts with the some of the UK’s best-known merchants and retailers, and oversaw the introduction of concrete products to the GRS portfolio.
He led the introduction of one of the sector’s first ePOD systems (electronic proof of delivery) and instigated the launch of GRS Paving (which has since grown into a separate business under the leadership of MD Joanne Wilkins). When Lowans joins in August 2026, Hudson will take on the role of group commercial director, working closely with customers and suppliers to drive market expansion, product development and commercial opportunities.
Jon Fisher, chief executive of GRS Group, said of Lowans’ appointment: “He is a highly accomplished operator with an exceptional track record of growing businesses, building high-performing teams and driving operational excellence. Combined with the solid foundations Lee has established over the past 12 years, Dan’s leadership skills and unique perspective give us the right formula to accelerate our plans for GRS Building Products, strengthening customer partnerships and developing our market position.”
Lowans commented: “I am excited to be joining the team at such an important stage in its evolution. GRS has a spirited culture, ambitious plans and a clear commitment to its people and its customers. The team in the GRS Building Products division have built an enviable reputation for service and that’s a great platform for expansion.”
