Segen Appoints David Hope as Managing Director to Drive Next Phase of UK and Ireland Growth
Posted by: electime 21st July 2026
Segen Ltd., the UK’s largest distributor of renewable energy technologies, has appointed David Hope as Managing Director for the UK and Ireland.
Hope joins Segen to lead its next phase of growth, with responsibility for accelerating its core solar and energy storage business, expanding into adjacent electrification markets, and increasing Segen’s presence in the new build housing sector.
He will also lead the continued development of Segen’s integrated customer offering across product supply, digital tools, finance, training and circular economy initiatives, designed to strengthen end-to-end support for installers.
With more than 25 years of senior leadership experience across the construction, manufacturing and specialist distribution sectors, Hope has a strong track record of scaling businesses, leading operational transformation and delivering sustainable growth.
He began his senior leadership career at CRH plc, where he ran a polystyrene insulation business within its Springvale division, gaining experience in the industrial manufacturing and construction materials markets.
In 2007, he joined SIG plc, one of the UK’s largest specialist distributors of building products, initially as Divisional Director and later as Regional Sales and Marketing Director for its UK operation, a £900 million turnover business with a sales team of around 160 people.
In 2020, Hope was invited to return to SIG as Divisional Managing Director as part of a leadership team tasked with returning the business to profitability. Over the next two years, he helped lead a major turnaround, taking the business from significant losses back to profitability and contributing to one of the sector’s most notable recoveries, later recognised as the ‘Large Business Turnaround of the Year’[1].
He also previously held the position of Managing Director at paper and packaging company Antalis, where he led the UK business through a period of structural change in the traditional paper market and supported growth in its packaging division.
“I’m delighted to be joining Segen at such an exciting point in its journey. The business has built a market-leading platform with significant scale, deep technical expertise and a powerful ecosystem of services that genuinely support installer success,” says Hope.
“One of my key priorities is to further strengthen that end-to-end support, helping customers operate with greater confidence in a market that has historically experienced periods of volatility. By giving installers the tools, insight and infrastructure they need, we can help create more sustainable and consistent growth.”
“I also see major opportunity in the new build housing sector, particularly as the Future Homes Standard drives increased demand for renewable technologies. Segen is exceptionally well positioned to support both installers and developers as this market evolves.”
David Rice, CEO, Segen Ltd., says: “I’m delighted to welcome David to Segen. His leadership experience, deep understanding of distribution and manufacturing, and proven ability to deliver growth and transformation make him an outstanding addition to our leadership team.”
“David combines strong commercial expertise with a clear focus on customer success, which aligns closely with Segen’s values and ambitions. As we continue investing in our people, technology and customer offering, his leadership will play a central role in strengthening our market position and driving the next phase of growth.”
Hope holds a degree in Civil Engineering from Northumbria University. He is married with two children and is a proud supporter of Newcastle United.
Reference
[1] https://www.the-ift.com/ift-announces-award-winners/
