Triangle Fire Group announces CEO retirement and succession
Iain Hoey
Share this content
Leadership change at Triangle Fire in the UK
Triangle Fire Group has announced that its founder and chief executive, Colin Chantler, will retire at the end of August after 19 years in the role, according to the company.
The UK-based active and passive fire protection business said the change follows a multi-million-pound investment from BGF in 2022, aimed at supporting growth, mergers and acquisitions and succession planning.
It added that Chantler will remain on the company’s board as a non-executive director to support continuity and maintain the family-led heritage of the organisation.
Mark Castle, chair of Triangle, said: “Colin’s contribution has been immense. He’s been the figurehead of the business since founding it in 2006 with his brothers Nigel and Steve.
“We’re grateful he’ll remain involved as we move into the next phase.”
Incoming chief executive named
Triangle Fire stated that Marcus Wallis will take over as chief executive on 1 September.
It said Wallis is currently managing director of the South Region engineering division at H E Simm, a privately owned construction group.
According to the company, his previous senior roles include positions at Phoenix ME, Skanska, and Mace, with sector experience in residential, commercial, healthcare, defence, and education projects.
Wallis said: “I’m delighted to be given the opportunity to further shape and deliver the business with the board and the senior leadership team.
“Triangle is an exceptionally managed Group that is renowned both for its unique culture and for the quality of its project delivery.
“I believe we have an incredibly strong and robust foundation on which to build for the future.”
Board’s perspective on the appointment
Castle said: “We welcome Marcus to the Triangle Fire Group and look forward to working with him to develop the Board’s strategic objectives.
“His experience in working with Tier 1 contractors and M&E specialists will bring valuable insight as we continue to respond to a changing regulatory landscape.”
The company explained that the appointment is part of its long-term succession planning, supported by the BGF investment.
Founder reflects on company journey
Chantler said: “While I’m looking forward to retirement, I’ll miss the day-to-day role.
“From where we started in 2006 to where we are now, it’s been an extraordinary journey.
“I’m confident Marcus is the right person to take the business forward.
“He understands the values of a family-founded company and brings skills that will help us grow even further.
“I look forward to my new role as Non-Executive and will enjoy seeing Triangle continue to thrive.”
Investment background and succession planning
Triangle Fire stated that the leadership transition follows the strategic investment from BGF, described by the company as the UK and Ireland’s most active growth capital investor.
According to Triangle, the funding was intended to expand operations, support acquisitions, and enable a smooth leadership handover.
The company said that retaining Chantler as a non-executive director is intended to preserve the organisational culture and ensure stability during the transition.
Triangle Fire announces CEO retirement and succession: Summary
Triangle Fire Group has confirmed that founder and chief executive Colin Chantler will retire at the end of August 2025.
The company said Chantler has led the UK-based active and passive fire protection business since its founding in 2006.
Triangle stated that Chantler will remain on the board as a non-executive director.
The company said the leadership change follows a 2022 multi-million-pound investment from BGF.
It stated the funding supported growth, acquisitions, and succession planning.
Triangle said Marcus Wallis will take over as chief executive on 1 September 2025.
The company stated that Wallis is currently managing director at H E Simm’s South Region engineering division.
Triangle said Wallis has previously held senior roles at Phoenix ME, Skanska, and Mace.
The company stated that Wallis has experience in multiple sectors including residential, commercial, healthcare, defence, and education.
Triangle said retaining Chantler in a board role will preserve its family-led heritage.