SMT names Phil Battle Managing Director for Great Britain

SMT has appointed Phil Battle managing director for Great Britain. He will take up the role in October.

Battle succeeds Nick Allen, who has stepped down, as the construction equipment distributor reshapes its leadership in the British market.

Battle joined SMT in 2020 and has held several senior roles within the business. Most recently, he was divisional director for Volvo CE Product & Services, overseeing commercial sales and service operations across Great Britain for Volvo Construction Equipment.

In that role, he led a national team of about 350 employees across nine customer support locations, with responsibility for a broad operational footprint in the British market.

Industry background

Before taking the top job in Great Britain, Battle built more than two decades of experience in the construction equipment sector. During that time, he developed a reputation for strategic leadership and customer relationships.

His industry work also extends beyond SMT. Battle serves as a board director of the Construction Equipment Association, where he leads its ESG and environmental sustainability portfolio.

The appointment comes as SMT continues to broaden its activities in Great Britain. The group distributes brands including Volvo Construction Equipment, Dynapac and K-Tec Earthmover products, and has expanded into other segments through recent acquisitions.

In 2024, SMT acquired AGGPRO, adding crushing, screening and recycling equipment to its British portfolio. In 2026, it also acquired Kioti, expanding further into compact tractors and related equipment.

Leadership change

In his new role, Battle will lead group operations across Great Britain. His remit will include supporting staff, managing customer relationships, and advancing innovation, sustainability and growth across the company's markets.

Jérôme Barioz, chief executive officer of SMT, said: "Phil's deep industry knowledge, customer focus and commitment to developing people make him exceptionally well placed to lead SMT in Great Britain through its next chapter. His appointment recognises both his outstanding contribution to SMT and the leadership he brings to our customers, colleagues and wider industry. I am delighted to welcome Phil as managing director in Great Britain and look forward to seeing SMT continue to grow under his leadership."

SMT operates through a network of customer support centres across England, Scotland and Wales, supported by field-based engineers. The British business is part of SMT Group, which spans 22 countries and employs more than 2,600 people.

The leadership change follows a period of portfolio expansion in Great Britain, where SMT has been building its position across construction, recycling and compact equipment markets. Alongside equipment distribution, the business also offers digital tools to customers in the sector.

Battle said the business has a strong platform in place as he prepares to assume the role.

"It is a privilege to be appointed managing director for Great Britain. SMT has exceptional people, strong partnerships and a proud commitment to supporting customers throughout Great Britain. I am excited to build on those strengths, work with colleagues across the business and lead our next phase of customer-focused, sustainable growth," he said.