Tilbury Douglas set the agenda this week with big news of a change at the top, leading announcements by top construction firms.
Bam UK & Ireland, Balfour Beatty and Morgan Sindall also announced people moves, with contacts books and experience being key factors.
Gandy goes
Paul Gandy
Tilbury Douglas announced that chief executive Paul Gandy will be stepping down in November. He joined the company in 2019 as construction managing director and was instrumental in a turnaround in fortunes.
He rebranded it to its former name Tilbury Douglas in 2021 and turned it into a sole contractor in 2022. The new structure saw profit shift from red to the black, going from a £94m pre-tax loss to a £5.8m pre-tax profit.
Gandy said: “It has been a real privilege to have led the turnaround of Tilbury Douglas and have seen the business growing again from a solid foundation.”
Taking up the reins will be chief operating officer Craig Tatton who joined the company in 2017.
Northern soul
Chris Gibson
Bam appointed Mark Gibson as its regional director for northern construction.
Gibson, a veteran with 30 years’ industry experience, is joining from Sir Robert McAlpine. He has been managing director of its healthcare division since 2023. Prior to that, he was managing director of its northern business unit.
He will take up his role later this year and report to construction executive director Kim Sides.
Sides said that Gibson is “extremely familiar with the area and the opportunities it can provide Bam in the North of England and right across the UK”.
The only way is Essex
Ryan Liversage
Ryan Liversage – another industry veteran with two decades of experience – is leaving Wates Construction to join Morgan Sindall.
Liversage is the new director of its Essex business and the firm will be making the most of his career experience, which has been focused in the East of England. This goes right back to the very beginning as an industry apprentice while studying at Anglia Ruskin University.
Projects waiting for him include new-build and refurbishment work at the Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust.
Liversage said: “Essex is a dynamic market right now, with many amazing projects in the pipeline that will deliver significant value for local communities.”
Peter Whitmore, managing director for Morgan Sindall Construction, said a key factor in the appointment was Liversage’s “knowledge of the Essex market” [and] extensive expertise across multiple sectors”.
Computer says yes
Balfour Beatty is upgrading its digital skillset with two key promotions.
Jon Ozanne has been promoted to chief information officer with responsibility for coordinating IT and digital initiatives. This includes cyber security and AI adoption.
Ozanne joined the firm in 2015 to lead the transformation of Balfour Beatty’s IT function. He was subsequently promoted to the position of UK IT director.
Evan Sutherland has been promoted to chief procurement officer, having also joined in 2015 as procurement director.
Ozanne said: “It is a pivotal time for the construction and infrastructure industry, with digital tools and technologies integral to driving the industry’s productivity challenge.”
In retro spec
Lovell has strengthened its senior team and retrofit division with a new appointment. Matt Hickman brings 20 years’ experience in housing and construction to his new role as refurbishment partnerships director to help progress social housing and retrofit projects across the West Midlands.
Hickman said: “With more funding coming through from the government, this is an opportune time to deliver social housing decarbonisation fund (SHDF) projects throughout the region.”
Hickman’s experience in the industry includes several senior managerial roles at Vinci Facilities.
Carl Yale, regional refurbishment director at Lovell, said: “Continuing to push forward with our refurbishment and retrofit goals in order to meet the government’s net-zero target is extremely important, and we know Matt’s expertise will be invaluable in helping us do this.”
Sporting chance
Consultancy Aecom has appointed Martin Robinson as its UK-based principal and senior architect for the company’s sports practice.
With 30 years of experience, he will be responsible for delivering stadiums and arenas across Europe and India. He joins AECOM from MEIS Architects.
Robinson praised the company’s record, calling it a “global leader”. He added: “Aecom’s sports design studio has completed more arena projects than any other firm in the world, setting a new standard for delivery in the stadium design sector.”
Home help
Danielle Oum has been appointed the new chair of Nottingham-based Tuntum Housing Association. She brings experience from several roles as an NHS trust chair, and recently served as chair of Walsall Housing Group.
She is due to be formally elected at the annual general meeting at the end of this month, succeeding Junior Hemans, who has been in post since 2015.
Oum is currently chair of Coventry and Warwickshire Integrated Care Board, chair of Aquarius Charity and a board member of Fusion21.
Tuntum Housing Association owns and manages more than 1,600 homes in 12 local authority areas in Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire and Derbyshire.
Our friend in the North
Dan Jones has been promoted from senior architect to associate at GSSArchitecture Newcastle Studio. Jones joined the studio in 2022 and has overseen several projects including the retrofit and upgrade of the Grade II-listed King George VI Building for Newcastle University.
Jones has experience in heritage projects, particularly in the Durham peninsula for Durham University, and has starting to cover a more national heritage and conservation role within the practice.
As associate, Jones will continue to take the lead on projects across the region, contribute to business development to drive continuous improvement, and mentor other team members.
Final brick in the wall
Michelmersh Group’s half-year results included a fond farewell from Martin Warner.
The brickmaker’s director is signing off after 35 years in the industry, and 24 years in his role.
Warner thanked his colleagues for their dedication, skill and support. He also said: “I have no doubt that all that has been built in terms of plant and people will mean that the business will continue to prosper from a strong financial base for shareholders, customers and importantly for our employees who make it all happen.”
He will be succeeded by Tony Morris, who is currently a non-executive director.
