CBRE has announced that Ciaran Bird, Chief Executive of its UK & Ireland advisory business, will be stepping down from his role. The global real estate services firm has begun the process of identifying his successor. Bird, who has led the advisory division through a period of strong growth and
United Living Group, the provider of infrastructure, affordable housing, property services, and telecoms, is pleased to announce the appointment of Claire Kershaw as CEO of its subsidiary United Living Property Services. Claire is an accomplished leader with over 20 years of experience in the social housing sector, covering property maintenance, refurbishment,
Premier Technical Services Group Ltd (PTSG) has announced the appointment of Greg Ward as its new Chief Operating Officer, marking a significant step in the company’s continued expansion and strategic development. Greg joins the specialist services provider at a pivotal time, bringing with him more than 25 years of leadership
CBRE has announced the appointment of Denis McGowan as Executive Managing Director within its Global Workplace Solutions (GWS) Financial & Professional Services Sector, reinforcing the company’s global leadership with seasoned expertise. In his new role, McGowan will lead enterprise accounts across Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) as well
Waterman is pleased to announce that Neil Humphrey has been appointed as the new CEO of Waterman effective 1 April 2025, succeeding Nick Taylor who has led the business for the last 17 years. Neil brings a wealth of experience and a strong vision for the future of the company.
The Scaffolding Association has announced the appointment of Mark Parkin as its new Strategic Director, reinforcing its commitment to raising standards, improving safety, and advocating for the industry’s recognition as a highly skilled and essential industry. With 37 years of experience in scaffolding—including 31 years in roles such as advanced
Global real estate firm, Avison Young UK, today announces 43 senior promotions across the business to Associate Director and Director levels. These team members have been recognised for their exceptional dedication and outstanding contributions to the firm. Of the promotions, 23 have stepped up to the role of Director, while
AWARD-WINNING retrofit decarbonisation contractor Sustainable Building Services (UK) Ltd (SBS) has appointed Matthew Kershaw as its new head of health and safety. With more than 17 years of experience in various health and safety roles across multiple sectors, Matthew brings a wealth of expertise to SBS. Describing himself as a
Walker Sime is pleased to announce the appointment of Jon Neville as its new Managing Director. Jon takes on the role following 18 months as Director of Infrastructure, where he has already made a significant impact. Walker Sime provides project management, project controls, and cost and commercial management services across the UK’s Infrastructure
Real PM Limited, a leading project and programme management consultancy, has announced a strategic leadership transition to strengthen its service offerings and drive growth. Barry Fowler has been appointed Managing Director, Philip Soleil assumes the role of Director of Project Management, and Steve White and Martin Clark step into positions
CBRE has announced that Ciaran Bird, Chief Executive of its UK & Ireland advisory business, will be stepping down from his role. The global real estate services firm has begun the process of identifying his successor. Bird, who has led the advisory division through a period of strong growth and transformation, will continue to oversee the business alongside the UK Advisory Executive Committee until a new leader is appointed. Having joined CBRE in 2005 following its acquisition of retail specialist Dalgleish—where he spent 16 years—Bird has become a central figure in shaping the company’s strategy and expanding its presence across the UK and Ireland. Reflecting on his tenure, Bird said: “Our business has grown and prospered in ways I could never have imagined back in 2005. As I prepare to hand over the leadership reins, I do so knowing that the next chapter looks just as promising.” CBRE has a significant footprint in the UK and Ireland, with offices in major cities including London, Dublin, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh, and Belfast, among others. The company’s UK advisory team currently comprises over 3,000 professionals. Chris Kirk, Global Chief Operating Officer of Advisory Services at CBRE, praised Bird’s impact on the firm: “CBRE holds a market-leading position in the UK advisory sector, thanks in large part to the leadership of Ciaran and the calibre of our team. We are grateful for his many contributions. The business is in a strong position for the future.” He added: “Ciaran and the UK Executive Committee will remain fully focused on driving the business forward, ensuring a smooth leadership transition as we search for the right person to build on our momentum.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
United Living Group, the provider of infrastructure, affordable housing, property services, and telecoms, is pleased to announce the appointment of Claire Kershaw as CEO of its subsidiary United Living Property Services. Claire is an accomplished leader with over 20 years of experience in the social housing sector, covering property maintenance, refurbishment, and regeneration. She has held a variety of leadership roles in companies such as Mitie, Willmott Dixon, and Kier where she led business strategy and delivered operational, customer experience, work winning and procurement improvement programmes. Luke Anderson, Chief Operating Officer of United Living Group, commented: “We are delighted to welcome Claire to the team. Her professional credibility and strong leadership will be instrumental in driving our successful Property Services business forward, ensuring we continue to provide high-quality, innovative and sustainable solutions for our clients and communities and deliver on our ambitious growth plans. “We are also pleased to announce that Vlad Nedelcu will be joining Claire’s Senior Leadership Team as COO of United Living Property Services. Vlad has played a pivotal role in PiLON’s journey, which United Living Group acquired in 2024, growing the business from the ground up into the successful and respected organisation it is today. As PiLON continues to thrive under the United Living Group’s Property Services pillar, Vlad will bring his proven track record and deep sector knowledge to enhance our operational capabilities and support our continued growth.” Both Claire and Vlad are Members of the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIHM) and the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB). Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Premier Technical Services Group Ltd (PTSG) has announced the appointment of Greg Ward as its new Chief Operating Officer, marking a significant step in the company’s continued expansion and strategic development. Greg joins the specialist services provider at a pivotal time, bringing with him more than 25 years of leadership experience across sectors including aviation, security, facilities management, engineering, manufacturing and construction. His appointment is set to strengthen PTSG’s ability to drive operational performance and scale for future growth. Reporting directly to Chief Executive Officer Nikhil Varty, Greg will be responsible for delivering enhanced operational efficiency, accelerating execution of the company’s strategic plans and supporting the transformation of key business functions. With a proven history of leading business transformations and building high-performing teams, Greg’s arrival signals a new phase of momentum for the company. PTSG operates through five core divisions – Access & Safety, Electrical Services, Building Access Specialists, Fire Solutions and Water Treatment – and serves over 30,000 customers nationwide. Backed by a workforce of approximately 3,000, the group has earned a strong reputation for quality, responsiveness and technical excellence. Speaking on the appointment, CEO Nikhil Varty said:“PTSG has built an incredible track record of delivering the right services for our customers, wherever and whenever they need them. Greg’s leadership and experience will help us take this to the next level. His ability to drive operational excellence, develop talent and execute strategic initiatives will be instrumental in accelerating our growth and reinforcing PTSG’s position as a market leader. I’m delighted to welcome him to the team.” Greg’s expertise in scaling operations, streamlining processes and unlocking value aligns closely with PTSG’s ambition to remain at the forefront of specialist services. His appointment reflects the company’s commitment to investing in leadership that can drive long-term performance and innovation. With fresh energy at the helm of operations, PTSG is poised to navigate its next chapter with renewed focus and agility, reinforcing its leadership position across the sectors it serves. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
CBRE has announced the appointment of Denis McGowan as Executive Managing Director within its Global Workplace Solutions (GWS) Financial & Professional Services Sector, reinforcing the company’s global leadership with seasoned expertise. In his new role, McGowan will lead enterprise accounts across Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) as well as the Asia-Pacific (APAC) regions. McGowan joins CBRE from international property development firm Osborne+Co, where he oversaw major client relationships with global banking giants such as Santander, Citi and Wells Fargo, alongside partnerships with forward-thinking operators like BoB W. His deep industry knowledge was honed over a 14-year tenure as Global Head of Property at Standard Chartered Bank, where he oversaw workplace strategies for more than 85,000 employees across over 60 markets. This strategic hire signals CBRE’s continued investment in delivering end-to-end real estate solutions that respond to the evolving needs of financial and professional services clients. McGowan will partner closely with Paul Hubbard-Brown, recently named Head of Financial & Professional Services Sector within CBRE’s UK Advisory business, to strengthen integration across service lines and geographies. Reporting to Mike Hart, Sector President for GWS Financial & Professional Services, McGowan is poised to drive forward CBRE’s mission to deliver tailored, insight-led solutions that address both global complexity and local context. “Client needs are quickly evolving, and it is more important than ever that we deliver integrated value propositions,” said Mike Hart. “Denis’s experience and expertise make him uniquely qualified to help clients navigate industry-specific challenges. His appointment, coupled with the strengthening of our Advisory Financial & Professional Services Sector expertise, means our clients can be sure our teams are well positioned to deliver the best possible solutions.” With a reputation for bridging strategy with execution, McGowan’s arrival adds significant momentum to CBRE’s global ambitions. His leadership is expected to play a pivotal role in supporting clients with their transformation journeys, real estate optimisation and workplace evolution. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Waterman is pleased to announce that Neil Humphrey has been appointed as the new CEO of Waterman effective 1 April 2025, succeeding Nick Taylor who has led the business for the last 17 years. Neil brings a wealth of experience and a strong vision for the future of the company. His leadership will be instrumental in driving our strategic initiatives and ensuring continued success across Waterman’s operations in the UK, Ireland and Australia. With 30 years in the industry, Neil has been an integral part of Waterman, having served as a main board director of Waterman Group Plc, alongside his role as UK Chief Operating Officer. He has been actively involved in driving various strategic and operational aspects of the company and has also played a significant role with the Association for Consultancy and Engineering (ACE), where he served as Chair of ACE’s Procurement and Pipeline Advocacy Group. Neil’s appointment as CEO marks a new chapter for Waterman, promising continued innovation and progress. Commenting on his appointment as CEO, Neil said: “I am honoured to take on the role of CEO at Waterman. We are entering a period of significant change in our industry, with digital innovation fundamentally reshaping what we do and how we deliver for our clients. I am excited to continue to work with our talented team to drive our innovation forward and position ourselves as the consultant of choice for our clients, our people, and new talent. I would also like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Nick Taylor for his exceptional leadership and the strong foundation he has built.” In handing over the CEO role to Neil, Nick Taylor commented: “I have full confidence in Neil’s ability to lead Waterman into its next phase of growth. His vision and dedication will undoubtedly drive the company to new heights.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Scaffolding Association has announced the appointment of Mark Parkin as its new Strategic Director, reinforcing its commitment to raising standards, improving safety, and advocating for the industry’s recognition as a highly skilled and essential industry. With 37 years of experience in scaffolding—including 31 years in roles such as advanced scaffolder, supervisor, managing director, CEO, and operations director—Mark has developed a profound understanding of the industry. His expertise spans operations, health and safety, and business management, making him a valuable addition to the Scaffolding Association’s team. Robert Candy, CEO of the Scaffolding Association, welcomed Mark’s appointment, stating: “Mark’s extensive industry knowledge, hands-on experience, and strategic mindset align perfectly with the Association’s mission. His expertise will help the Association continue its work in supporting members, driving innovation, and ensuring the scaffolding industry gains the recognition it deserves.” Mark’s vision is closely aligned with the Scaffolding Association’s values of collaboration, transparency, and continuous improvement. “I’ve spent 37 years in the scaffolding industry, not just working within it but striving to understand it at its core—its challenges, its opportunities, and the people who make it what it is,” said Mark. “Now, as Strategic Director for the Scaffolding Association, I have the opportunity to drive meaningful change through collaborations and partnerships, ensuring our members and the wider industry thrive. All too often, I see businesses struggling because they can’t see the options available to them,” he noted. “Using the right approach for each challenge requires an open mind and the ability to think outside the box. Sometimes, you just need to reframe what’s in front of you to get a different perspective.” Through his role at the Scaffolding Association, Mark will work closely with the team to support its members, enhance industry-wide collaboration, and contribute to the ongoing development of best practices. His focus will be on strengthening the Association’s initiatives, helping to drive positive change, and ensuring the industry continues to evolve to meet future challenges. By working together, the Association and its members can build a stronger, more resilient scaffolding industry for generations to come. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Global real estate firm, Avison Young UK, today announces 43 senior promotions across the business to Associate Director and Director levels. These team members have been recognised for their exceptional dedication and outstanding contributions to the firm. Of the promotions, 23 have stepped up to the role of Director, while 20 have been promoted to Associate Director level. Driving future growth, this cohort will be central to the efficient delivery of the firm’s strategic objectives. In total, the promotions span across 10 regions Avison Young operates in including: Birmingham, Brighton, Bristol, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Leeds, London, Manchester, Newcastle and Stoke on Trent. The wave of promotions encompasses seven key business groups including: Building and Project Consultancy, Client and Business Solutions, Place, Professional Advisory, Rating and Technology, REIFM and Transactions. Nick Walkley, Principal and UK President at Avison Young UK, said: “I look forward to working closely with this highly skilled cohort of new senior leaders, who exemplify our values and will continue driving forward our vision. Highlighting professional excellence and dedication to our collaborative company culture, these accomplishments showcase our belief in creating positive impact. “Underlining the wealth of internal talent at Avison Young, these promotions display the diverse expertise and experience our teams offer. We continue to invest in our people, supporting current and future leaders within the business.” Stephen Cowperthwaite, Principal and Managing Director, Regions and Liverpool at Avison Young UK said: “Regional investment is key to Avison Young’s growth strategy for 2025 and beyond, our local market experts are vital in achieving this goal. These promotions will help deliver real growth and net benefit to our towns, cities and communities across the UK.” Full List of promotions: Directors Business Group Location Mark Beer Building and Project Consultancy London David Roobottom Building and Project Consultancy Birmingham Clive Withers Building and Project Consultancy London Andrew James Building and Project Consultancy London Paul Herrington Building and Project Consultancy Leeds Kate Inskip Client and Business Solutions Birmingham Richard Oxley Client and Business Solutions London Chris Whetstone Client and Business Solutions London Matt Pigott Place London Ed Harvey Place Manchester Emily Davies Place Manchester Julie Taylor Professional Advisory London Geraldine Horner Professional Advisory Edinburgh Naymesh Patel Rating and Technology Birmingham James Millson REFIM Leeds Robert Reeve REFIM London Dave Bamford REFIM London Laura Loom REFIM Stoke on Trent Pete-James Robinson REFIM Birmingham Helen Ewles REFIM Newcastle James White Transactions Birmingham Pete Harding Transactions Glasgow Sarah Miles Client and Business Solutions London Associate Directors Business Group Location Eliott Kelly Place Bristol Henry Sayers Professional Advisory London James Drury Building and Project Consultancy London Robert Hayes Building and Project Consultancy Edinburgh Megan Stacey-Green Building and Project Consultancy London Mandy Poon Rating and Technology Manchester Charlotte Smith Building and Project Consultancy Birmingham Jamie Sim Transactions Newcastle James Short Transactions Bristol James Parton REFIM Client site Gemma Houghton REFIM London Graham Cunningham REFIM London Ralph Smart REFIM Brighton Emma Parker REFIM Stoke on Trent Emma Parkin REFIM Birmingham Kushay Shah Client and Business Solutions London Sophie Russell Client and Business Solutions Birmingham Helen Whitesmith Client and Business Solutions Bristol Andy Smith Client and Business Solutions London Kate Young Client and Business Solutions Manchester Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
AWARD-WINNING retrofit decarbonisation contractor Sustainable Building Services (UK) Ltd (SBS) has appointed Matthew Kershaw as its new head of health and safety. With more than 17 years of experience in various health and safety roles across multiple sectors, Matthew brings a wealth of expertise to SBS. Describing himself as a ‘jack of all trades’ in safety, he has worked across diverse industries but is most passionate about improving communities through transformational retrofit projects. Matthew said: “I grew up in social housing, so I know what it’s like to live in a cold house and not be allowed to turn the heating on through winter.” His career has allowed him to witness first-hand how retrofit solutions can positively impact communities. Matthew continued: “I worked on a rundown housing estate in Wales where we installed external wall insulation (EWI). We collaborated with contractors and site teams to create a positive working environment for residents. As the houses started to look more modern, people took pride in their surroundings – gardens were tidied, fences were painted, and within 18 months to two years, the whole village had transformed.” For Matthew, people are at the heart of safety. His perspective is that processes and procedures don’t keep people safe, but people keep people safe. Working closely with the senior leadership team and project managers, he aims to integrate safety into every aspect of operations to ensure safety is “blended in, not bolted on.” Matthew said: “You can either see health and safety as a compliance and risk strategy, or you can see it as a people strategy. A strong safety culture creates not only a safer work environment, but a more supportive and productive one. This, in turn, should enhance overall well-being, job satisfaction, and ultimately support the growth of SBS.” Over the next 18 months, Matthew plans to expand the health and safety team and embed a new way of thinking across the SBS ecosystem. His goal is to create a company-wide culture where safety is a shared responsibility, deeply integrated into every process rather than treated as a separate compliance function. Matthew said: “I want people to make good decisions at the right time, but we must also hold them accountable for those decisions. That comes from a culture of trust, kindness, patience, and responsibility. By fostering open communication, ensuring competency at all levels, and leveraging technology, we can embed safety seamlessly into SBS’s daily operations.” Gary Lawson, managing director at SBS, said: “Bringing Matthew into the SBS team is an important appointment for us. His expertise and passion for a company-wide cultural approach to safety, along with striving for continuous improvement, will be invaluable in driving SBS toward a more innovative approach to health and safety. We look forward to hearing the ideas he will bring to the table and supporting him with implementing them.” For more information about SBS, visit www.sustainablebuildinguk.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Walker Sime is pleased to announce the appointment of Jon Neville as its new Managing Director. Jon takes on the role following 18 months as Director of Infrastructure, where he has already made a significant impact. Walker Sime provides project management, project controls, and cost and commercial management services across the UK’s Infrastructure and Real Estate sectors. The company has helped deliver transformative projects like Liverpool Waters, the Wythenshawe Civic Regeneration Master Plan as well as mega programmes at the forefront of the Net Zero transition, such as the Great Grid Upgrade. Now part of the HanmiGlobal family, Walker Sime has expanded its reach with international, European, and US capabilities, further strengthening its ability to serve clients on a global scale. This growth enhances its capacity to deliver exceptional results, positioning Walker Sime as a key partner in shaping the future through transformative projects that drive success and innovation. Under Jon’s leadership, the company will focus on sustainable growth, nurturing talent, and maintaining the technical excellence that has earned it an enviable reputation with its clients. With over 20 years of industry experience, Jon is enthusiastic about the role Walker Sime can play in shaping the future of the UK’s Infrastructure and Real Estate markets. Jon said: “I’m incredibly proud to take on the role of Managing Director at Walker Sime. From the moment I joined, I recognised this was a business built on strong values, a fantastic culture, and a deep commitment to its people. My priority is to build on that success while ensuring we continue to grow in a way that stays true to our values. This role is more than just a career move for me – it’s about leaving a legacy. I joined this industry because I wanted to make a difference, to be part of something that stands the test of time. Now, my focus is on ensuring Walker Sime remains a business that is not only successful today but is fit for the future. That means continuing to invest in our people, nurturing talent, and ensuring we remain a trusted and innovative partner for our clients.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Real PM Limited, a leading project and programme management consultancy, has announced a strategic leadership transition to strengthen its service offerings and drive growth. Barry Fowler has been appointed Managing Director, Philip Soleil assumes the role of Director of Project Management, and Steve White and Martin Clark step into positions as Directors of Planning. Founders Jeremy Ruff and Geraint Roberts will remain actively engaged as Project Executive and Executive Planner, ensuring a seamless transition and continuity for clients and partners. With deep expertise in delivering complex projects across the built environment, Real PM has built a strong reputation for delivery of project management and planning solutions in commercial, residential, hospitality, education, infrastructure, retail, and mixed-use developments. The company is expanding its service offerings into emerging sectors such as research and technology, energy, and sports and stadia facilities. Barry Fowler said: “Maintaining strong relationships and delivering exceptional value is at the heart of Real PM. By integrating our planning, logistics, and project management expertise, we offer a uniquely comprehensive service, ensuring efficiency, certainty, and value for our clients across diverse markets.” Jeremy Ruff said: “Real PM’s success is rooted in its open, collaborative approach and deep industry expertise. This new structure ensures we continue to provide high-quality project delivery and is a significant next step for the business and for our clients.” Abrar Sheriff, President of Turner, said: “I am excited to see even more opportunities for our people as Real PM expands in our current and growing markets. Real PM supports Turner’s strategy to expand our technical service offerings in Europe and our collaboration across the Turner company gives Real PM the scale and coverage to deliver services to a wide range of clients.” As part of Turner, HOCHTIEF and the ACS Group, Real PM combines a boutique consultancy approach with access to global expertise, technical innovation, and extensive project delivery experience. This strategic positioning enables Real PM to scale its services and bring added value to a broader client base. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
