Business : Appointments News

Building compliance expert William Martin appoints Director of Consultancy

Building compliance expert William Martin appoints Director of Consultancy

William Martin has announced the promotion of Derrick Milligan to Director of Consultancy. With over 15 years’ experience in safety consultancy management, he brings a wealth of expertise to the position, as well as in-depth knowledge of technical operations and account management. Derrick’s promotion comes after six successful years at

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Connect Plus Services appoints Louise Haining as Managing Director

Connect Plus Services appoints Louise Haining as Managing Director

Connect Plus Services today announces the appointment of Louise Haining as Managing Director with responsibility for leading its M25 operations. A Chartered Engineer, Louise has 30 years’ experience within the construction and infrastructure industry. She joined Connect Plus Services (CPS) in 2017 and has since held several roles across the organisation,

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VIVID announces new non-executive director, Ian Playford

VIVID announces new non-executive director, Ian Playford

VIVID has appointed Ian Playford to its Board as a non-executive director who brings with him a wealth of knowledge on property development and investment in customer centric environment. Mark Perry, Chief Executive of VIVID says: “Ian will bring a fresh perspective to our property development and investment decisions as

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GMI Construction Group promotes Gareth Jones to Group Managing Director

GMI Construction Group promotes Gareth Jones to Group Managing Director

GMI Construction Group has announced the appointment of Gareth Jones as Group Managing Director. He has been promoted from Divisional Managing Director for the Midlands, where he has played a fundamental role in the establishment of GMI’s presence in the region.  This has included helping to diversify its portfolio of

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CBRE Appoints Tej Singh as Head of Southampton Office

CBRE Appoints Tej Singh as Head of Southampton Office

CBRE, the global real estate advisory firm, is pleased to announce Tej Singh as the new head of its Southampton office. He takes on the role from 1st October 2024. Tej succeeds James Brounger, who will move to a new role focusing on client management and major pursuits across the

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STARK UK appoints de Silva as Business Development Director

STARK UK appoints de Silva as Business Development Director

STARK Building Materials UK Ltd is pleased to announce the appointment of Edwin de Silva as STARK UK Business Development Director, effective Monday 23 September.  de Silva joins STARK UK from EDS Building Connections, having previously worked in a range of senior leadership roles across the building and construction sector. 

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Latest Issue

BDC 321 : Oct 2024

Business : Appointments News

Building compliance expert William Martin appoints Director of Consultancy

Building compliance expert William Martin appoints Director of Consultancy

William Martin has announced the promotion of Derrick Milligan to Director of Consultancy. With over 15 years’ experience in safety consultancy management, he brings a wealth of expertise to the position, as well as in-depth knowledge of technical operations and account management. Derrick’s promotion comes after six successful years at William Martin, during which he has been instrumental in delivering outstanding safety consultancy services. In his new role, he will manage operations across multiple teams, leading the delivery of innovative, reliable solutions in a rapidly evolving market. Derrick Milligan said: “I will be working with our talented team to deliver tangible change for clients. Our priority is providing trustworthy knowledge and advice to keep businesses safe and help them thrive.” “I look forward to bringing a fresh outlook to the table to expand our capabilities, whilst helping clients create a positive and meaningful impact.” William Martin’s Managing Director, Phil Jones, added: “Derrick’s dedication to our clients and colleagues is unmatched, and his extensive technical knowledge and leadership skills make him the ideal candidate as we continue to expand.  His appointment underscores our commitment to maintaining our leading position in the health and safety consultancy sector.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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The FirstPort Group appoints Head of Business Development as it strengthens client partnerships

The FirstPort Group appoints Head of Business Development as it strengthens client partnerships

The FirstPort Group, the UK’s leading provider of residential property management services, has appointed Rocco Archidiacono as its new Head of Business Development to lead the Group’s new business services and bolster client partnerships. Rocco has joined FirstPort from real estate firm Hamptons where he was pivotal in expanding its business development team across its network, playing a key role in aligning the company’s residential and commercial arms.   In his new role, Rocco joins the Business Development team to improve its new business services, ensuring FirstPort is a partner that is approachable and responsive.   Commenting on his appointment, Rocco said: “This is an exciting time to be in property management, and I’m looking forward to being part of this journey with FirstPort. “I believe my experience across the different aspects of the property sector will bring a fresh perspective and enable us to develop a more integrated approach for our clients” “I think there’s a huge opportunity to push into new sectors and to really tap into areas that haven’t been fully explored yet. I am looking to regionalise the company’s business development efforts, expanding into areas where we have a strong client base and can offer tailored services.” With over 20 years of experience in residential real estate, Rocco’s extensive understanding of the full build lifecycle – from planning to delivery – will prove valuable as The FirstPort Group looks to forge partnerships with its new and current clients across the UK. Martin King, Managing Director at The FirstPort Group, said: “Rocco’s ability to build strong relationships with our clients and drive growth will be invaluable as we continue to expand our business and explore new opportunities across the UK. Rocco has a deep understanding of this industry but he’s coming at property management as a sector with a fresh perspective, which I welcome. “I look forward to Rocco working closely with FirstPort’s existing teams to align the company’s offerings with the evolving needs of its developer, freeholder and resident director clients.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Connect Plus Services appoints Louise Haining as Managing Director

Connect Plus Services appoints Louise Haining as Managing Director

Connect Plus Services today announces the appointment of Louise Haining as Managing Director with responsibility for leading its M25 operations. A Chartered Engineer, Louise has 30 years’ experience within the construction and infrastructure industry. She joined Connect Plus Services (CPS) in 2017 and has since held several roles across the organisation, including Asset and Project Delivery Director, where she was responsible for the adoption of digital asset management and driving further innovation across the business. Most recently, Louise has held the role of Interim Managing Director at CPS focusing on further digital transformation, predictable delivery and long term maintenance decision making across the business. Louise was instrumental in introducing the digital twin of the M25 in 2020 – a ground-breaking technology which produces highly accurate geo-referenced 2D and 3D outputs, providing over 23 billion data points in the process. The digital mapping of 120 miles of road provides Connect Plus Services with more detailed information to aid planning and decision-making, ultimately reducing the need for physical surveys to be carried out in a live highways environment; therefore improving safety too. Prior to joining Connect Plus Services she enjoyed a successful career at Costain, the Environment Agency and National Highways, working on schemes including The Hungerford Bridge in London and the Folkestone to Cliff Edge Coastal Protection Scheme in Kent. Today’s announcement is testament to Connect Plus Services commitment to attracting, training, and retaining its employees to harness the creativity and innovation of a diverse range of people. Louise Haining, Managing Director of Connect Plus Services, said: “I am delighted to take the helm as Managing Director of Connect Plus Services, leading an incredibly talented team on the M25 – one the UK’s busiest motorways. “My focus will remain on data as a strategic imperative to prioritise decision making so that we keep the M25 safe and fit for purpose, whilst also continuing to identify ways of reducing delays and improving journey time reliability for the travelling public.” Phil Clifton, Managing Director of Balfour Beatty’s Highways business said: “Louise has worked with us for many years and has demonstrated time and again, the leadership qualities she possesses. “I look forward to seeing her flourish in her new role as Managing Director and seeing her wealth of knowledge and expertise drive our asset management capability to deliver value through more predictable and safer journeys.” Connect Plus Services brings together the collective expertise from Balfour Beatty, AtkinsRéalis and Egis, with responsibility for operating and maintaining the 250-mile M25 motorway network, including routine maintenance, winter maintenance, and managing the whole-life requirement of the network including five tunnels and 2,500 structures such as bridges, culverts, and overhead gantries.   Connect Plus Services operates and maintains the network on behalf of Connect Plus – a consortium including Edge Orbital Holdings Ltd, Balfour Beatty and Egis Investments Partners – which has a 30-year contract with National Highways through a private finance initiative. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Siemens appoints Susanne Seitz as CEO of Buildings Business Unit to drive growth and sustainability

Siemens appoints Susanne Seitz as CEO of Buildings Business Unit to drive growth and sustainability

Siemens has appointed Susanne Seitz as CEO of the Buildings Business Unit, which is part of Smart Infrastructure. The unit is a newly formed business unit which brings together all Siemens’ buildings-related businesses into one entity, effective October 1, 2024. With a combined portfolio of products, software and services, the Buildings Business Unit is a technology partner for digital transformation, focused on reliable and cost-efficient building operations, decarbonization and energy efficiency, as well as successful business operations for customers across wide-ranging industries. “Making existing and new buildings more sustainable has never been more urgent. After all, buildings generate more than 40 percent of annual global CO2 emissions and we have a responsibility to drive their decarbonization,” said Matthias Rebellius, managing board member and CEO of Smart Infrastructure. “Smarter buildings bring value to their owners, users, operators and to the world around them. I am confident in the newly-formed leadership team. Together with the combined expertise of almost 30,000 people globally, we can take our leadership position in the buildings market to the next level and pave the way to smart buildings of the future.” The Buildings Business Unit works with customers and with an expanding ecosystem of partners across more than 60 countries and in key industries, including healthcare, data centers, higher education, commercial real estate, pharmaceutical and life science, and food and beverage. The business unit’s portfolio includes products for building control, fire safety and security, automation and operation, data-driven services, decarbonization programs and software, including Building X, Siemens’ scalable digital building platform to digitalize, manage and optimize building operations.  “I am excited to have the opportunity to grow this dynamic business. With innovative technology we can accelerate the transformation of buildings to make them smarter, self-adaptive and more autonomous, harnessing the power of Artificial Intelligence, IT/OT convergence and digital services. This supports our customers in reducing their emissions and costs while improving user experience in buildings,” said Seitz. Based in Zug, Switzerland, Seitz previously served as the Head of Sales and Marketing at Siemens Smart Infrastructure, leading the transformation towards digital sales and marketing globally. Prior to that, she was Executive Vice President EMEA at Landis+ Gyr and Member of the Group Executive Management. For some 16 years preceding this, Seitz held different positions at Siemens, including Head of Strategy and M&A, Head of Security, Vice President for the global buildings systems and solutions business. She is a Swiss native and holds a Master’s degree in Environmental Technology from ETH Zurich and an Executive MBA from the University of St. Gallen. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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British Land appoints to newly-created head of real estate and investment role

British Land Appoints Kelly Cleveland as Head of Real Estate and Investment

British Land has announced the appointment of Kelly Cleveland to the newly created position of Head of Real Estate and Investment, consolidating her leadership role within the company. Cleveland, who currently serves as Head of Strategy and Investment, will officially take on the expanded role in mid-October. Having joined British Land in 2011, Cleveland has steadily risen through the ranks, gaining experience across investment, strategy, and treasury. She became a member of the executive committee in 2020 and took on her current role in 2022. Her promotion follows the departure of Darren Richards, British Land’s current Head of Real Estate, who has resigned to join LondonMetric Property as Chief Investment Officer. Simon Carter, Chief Executive of British Land, commented:“Aligning our asset management, leasing, and investment activities is more critical than ever as we actively recycle capital and seize emerging opportunities in the market. Kelly brings a wealth of real estate expertise, having led major transactions such as the sale of our stake in Meadowhall earlier this year and forming joint venture partnerships with Allianz and AustralianSuper. She has also been instrumental in expanding our presence in the retail park sector, which we’ve doubled down on as an attractive sub-sector.” Carter also expressed gratitude to Richards for his two decades of service:“I’d like to thank Darren for his unwavering support and significant contribution to British Land over nearly 20 years. We wish him all the best in his new role.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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VIVID announces new non-executive director, Ian Playford

VIVID announces new non-executive director, Ian Playford

VIVID has appointed Ian Playford to its Board as a non-executive director who brings with him a wealth of knowledge on property development and investment in customer centric environment. Mark Perry, Chief Executive of VIVID says: “Ian will bring a fresh perspective to our property development and investment decisions as we continue to towards our vision More Homes: Bright Futures. We are committed to remaining one of the largest providers of new affordable housing in the sector. I am pleased Ian has joined us as we continue our ambitious development programme delivering many more affordable, high-quality housing solutions.” Ian has experience of operating at Board level across the UK and international organisations. He has worked in a diverse range of companies such as Kingfisher Group Plc, in private equity and the UK Government. As a non-executive director, Ian’s experience ranges from property development and management, with a focus on customer and business transformation. Commenting on his new challenge, Ian said: “Joining VIVID’s Board will enable me to contribute to the organisation’s ongoing commitment to making more homes available to those who need them most across the central south of England, in a sustainable way with a sharp focus on positive customer outcomes, services, and quality.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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GMI Construction Group promotes Gareth Jones to Group Managing Director

GMI Construction Group promotes Gareth Jones to Group Managing Director

GMI Construction Group has announced the appointment of Gareth Jones as Group Managing Director. He has been promoted from Divisional Managing Director for the Midlands, where he has played a fundamental role in the establishment of GMI’s presence in the region.  This has included helping to diversify its portfolio of projects, extending its reach further south into the region. As a result, the group’s Midlands division contributes in excess of £85m towards GMI’s revenues, with notable projects for MIRA Technology Park, St Francis Developments, Trebor Developments, Evans Property Group and Alumno Group. With more than 20 years’ experience in construction, Gareth has quickly risen in the industry. He started as a trainee Site Engineer aged 17, also studying for a degree in Construction Management and Civil Engineering.  This became the foundation of a 12-year career with Galliford Try during which time he progressed to site management and project management roles before the age of 24. Gareth Jones joined GMI Construction initially as Construction Manager, before progressing he spent two years as Construction Director for the Midlands before becoming Divisional Managing Director for GMI. Transitioning into the group role during the last quarter of 2024, Gareth will lead the business alongside new Group Commercial Director Richard Davies, previously Commercial Director of the Midlands who Gareth worked closely with over the previous few years. Gareth Jones, Group Managing Director, said, “I am absolutely delighted to be leading GMI in achieving its strategic objectives, alongside continuing to place our people at the forefront of the group.   We have developed a fantastic business working with some outstanding clients across our core regions.  “Our contribution to the development of the built environment in Yorkshire, the North East, North West and the Midlands continues to be an essential part of the UK economy, through the creation of employment opportunities, new homes and business premises.  This is a huge achievement that I’m incredibly proud of and I look forward to working closely with colleagues and clients across our key regions.” Jarrod Best, GMI chairman said, “This is an incredibly well-deserved appointment. Gareth has done a fantastic job delivering for multiple regions and is an asset to the team. Gareth’s dedication and strategic approach to growth will drive the profitable consolidation we are focusing on and will ensure our projects are delivered to a high standard. A huge congratulations to Gareth and we look forward to the new era of GMI”. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Promat appoints new fire test manager to meet growing demand for passive fire protection support

Promat appoints new fire test manager to meet growing demand for passive fire protection support

Promat has appointed a new fire test manager for the UK market, underlining its commitment to the very highest standards in fire testing classification and certification. The introduction of the Building Safety Act has increased demand for clarity on exactly how and where passive fire protection products can be used. Promat already has the industry’s most extensive testing database and the appointment of Dan Gibson will further strengthen this. His role will see him co-ordinate testing activities across the Promat business to ensure test data is available for an expanded range of applications – in turn acting as a key source of data for those designing and carrying out construction projects. Dan will also offer bespoke support for larger projects, helping to demonstrate that products meet the required safety and compliance standards for the intended application. With a background in fire testing, Dan is looking forward to working with Promat to further demonstrate the capabilities of its systems in a range of applications across construction projects. He said: “Following the introduction of the Building Safety Act the demand for clear, demonstrated fire testing certification is stronger than ever. The commitment to standards at Promat is impressive and I look forward to working closely with the product development teams to fully demonstrate the capabilities of Promat’s products.” Technical Director Nigel Morrey said: “Promat is committed to delivering tested systems that have the transparency, detail and level of performance needed to give architects, specifiers and contractors the confidence they need in a life critical product. “Rigorous testing is essential to demonstrating compliance and performance, and Dan will play an important role in organising fire tests and liaising with testing laboratories and certification bodies.” Promat is a leading manufacturer of passive fire protection systems that are an essential part of building design to help contain the spread of fire to allow occupants time to escape, and protect the integrity of the building and assets within it Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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CBRE Appoints Tej Singh as Head of Southampton Office

CBRE Appoints Tej Singh as Head of Southampton Office

CBRE, the global real estate advisory firm, is pleased to announce Tej Singh as the new head of its Southampton office. He takes on the role from 1st October 2024. Tej succeeds James Brounger, who will move to a new role focusing on client management and major pursuits across the South Coast, as well as continuing to support with the overall growth of the Midlands and South business.  Tej joined CBRE Southampton in 2014, where he has worked with investors, developers, lenders, local authorities and occupiers across the UK and the south coast. He was promoted to Director in 2019. Tej said: “I am honoured to take on the role of Head of the Southampton office. The real estate market on the south coast has fantastic potential and I look forward to continuing to work with our talented colleagues across all services to deliver exceptional client outcomes.” James Brounger has led CBRE Southampton for 14 years and will remain based in Southampton, continuing to work with clients alongside his new role. He said: “It has been a privilege to lead the Southampton office and I am proud of all we have achieved. Tej has an impressive track record in the local market and with our clients, and I have no doubt he will be an outstanding successor.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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STARK UK appoints de Silva as Business Development Director

STARK UK appoints de Silva as Business Development Director

STARK Building Materials UK Ltd is pleased to announce the appointment of Edwin de Silva as STARK UK Business Development Director, effective Monday 23 September.  de Silva joins STARK UK from EDS Building Connections, having previously worked in a range of senior leadership roles across the building and construction sector.  He is an active champion for small and medium builders and women in construction, supporting organisations including the Regional Builder Hub, a partnership between the King’s Foundation and University of Estate Management, The Developers Club and R&B Developers Forum. Under the previous Conservative Government, Edwin was Secretariat for All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for SME Housebuilders.  Commenting on the news of his appointment, de Silva said “I’m delighted to be joining this incredible business at what is a very exciting period in my career. My new role will be focused on developing our approach to further accelerate the growth of the housebuilding sector, across STARK UK’s business brands. With the ‘Build Build Build’ mantra coming from Westminster, it could not be a better time to support housebuilders.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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