BHETA has announced the appointment of Richard Walker, Managing Director of Eddingtons, as its new President following the association’s Annual General Meeting.
Richard succeeds Rhytthm Jain, CEO of Avocet Hardware Group, who steps down after a valued tenure as President. During her time in the role, Rhytthm played an important part in supporting BHETA’s work on behalf of members across the home enhancement sector, including housewares, small electricals, DIY, garden and home improvement.
Richard is one of the most recognised and respected figures within the UK housewares industry. He has worked closely with BHETA for many years, serving as a non-executive member of the BHETA Board and contributing actively to the Housewares Committee.
His appointment follows a significant milestone in his career, having recently received the Outstanding Achievement Award at the Excellence in Housewares Awards 2025, recognising his long-standing contribution and commitment to the sector.
Commenting on the appointment, BHETA Executive Chair Andrew Weiss said:
"On behalf of the BHETA Board and the wider membership, I would like to thank Rhytthm Jain for her commitment, judgement and support throughout her time as President. Rhytthm has brought great energy, commercial experience and perspective to the role, and she has been a strong advocate for the association and its members during an important period of change for the industry.
"We are equally delighted to welcome Richard Walker as BHETA President. Richard is hugely respected across the housewares sector and brings with him exceptional industry knowledge, a collaborative style and a real understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing suppliers. I know he will make a very positive contribution in this important role."
BHETA General Manager Steve Richardson added:
"Richard’s appointment is excellent news for BHETA and for our members. He has been a long-standing supporter of the association, an active voice on the BHETA Board and Housewares Committee, and someone who is widely trusted across the industry.
"His recent Outstanding Achievement Award at the Excellence in Housewares Awards was a fitting recognition of his contribution to the sector, and his appointment as BHETA President is a further reflection of the esteem in which he is held. I look forward to working with Richard as we continue to strengthen BHETA’s support for members, champion responsible suppliers and build even closer engagement with retailers, marketplaces, Government and the wider home enhancement industry."
Speaking about his appointment, Richard Walker said:
"It is a real honour to become President of BHETA. I have been involved with the association for many years and have seen first-hand the value it delivers for members, whether through retailer engagement, market insight, lobbying, networking, export support or practical business guidance.
"The housewares and wider home enhancement sectors continue to face significant change, but there is also huge opportunity. I look forward to working with Andrew, Steve, the BHETA Board and the wider team to ensure BHETA remains a strong, relevant and proactive voice for its members."
BHETA continues to support members across the housewares, small electricals, DIY, garden and home improvement sectors through retailer networking.
