Johnson Controls , the global leader for smart, healthy, and sustainable buildings, has promoted Sarah Dixon to Enterprise Sales Director, UK&I, effective immediately. As the former General Manager, Fire Suppression at Johnson Controls, Dixon brings a wealth of leadership experience and industry expertise to the wider business. In her new role,
Affordable housing provider SO Resi, the shared ownership arm of housing association Metropolitan Thames Valley Housing, has appointed its Group Head of Sales, Kevin Sims, into the newly created role of Director of Sales & Marketing. The new position forms part of SO Resi’s ongoing mission to inform and educate
SIMON BRIGGS has been appointed as the very first ‘energy lead’ for complete construction partner Stepnell. In the new role, Simon will be responsible for designing and implementing renewable energy and carbon reduction technologies for clients, which will underpin Stepnell’s long-term “Step to Zero” carbon strategy. Simon joins Stepnell as
Hilti’s North American Marketing Director Thibaud Lefebvre has begun 2023 with a move to the UK to take up senior leadership positions in the company’s GB and E1 (Northern European) regions, now sitting as GB vice president and a member of the E1 leadership team covering GB, Ireland, Finland, Sweden
WOLSELEY Group today announced that Sarah Broughton has been appointed as Group HR Director. At a time when the plumbing, heating and cooling sectors have become more reliant on trade specialists that can advise on and source best-fit solutions, she will lead the strategy for identifying, developing and retaining talent
KICKING the new year off to a running start, leading commercial property agent Innes England has announced a number of key promotions – including the appointment of a new equity holder. Matt Howson, who joined Innes England in 2016, has been promoted to a shareholding director. Managing director Matt Hannah
When Ben Mackett joined developer and heritage specialist City & Country after he graduated in 2010, he worked directly with David Sargeant, the company’s Development Director at the time and one of the owners of the business. Now, after working on the other side of the Atlantic, Mackett is returning
Wates has appointed two senior level directors to lead its facilities management and southern planned housing maintenance businesses. Antony Collett joins as Managing Director (MD) for the facilities management (FM) business and replaces James Gregg, who has moved into the role of MD of the southern planned division, housing maintenance,
Andrew Ingram has been announced as the new Managing Director at leading heating, plumbing and air movement materials supplier TG Lynes. Long-serving Andrew has taken over the top job at the thriving Enfield-based business from Martin Hastings. Andrew has been with TG Lynes for almost 20 years having started out
Chris Tunningley has been appointed as Leeds College of Building Assistant Principal for Adult Learning and Higher Education. Chris, formerly the Head of University Centre for Architecture, Engineering & Construction at Leeds College of Building, succeeds retiring Assistant Principal Brian Duffy. “I am thrilled to start in this post at
Johnson Controls , the global leader for smart, healthy, and sustainable buildings, has promoted Sarah Dixon to Enterprise Sales Director, UK&I, effective immediately. As the former General Manager, Fire Suppression at Johnson Controls, Dixon brings a wealth of leadership experience and industry expertise to the wider business. In her new role, Dixon will continue to bring the team from strength to strength, driving sustainable growth, digital & sustainable outcomes for Johnson Controls customers and positioning the business to thrive in an ever-evolving world. “I am thrilled to announce Sarah’s new role in the business. Having been with Johnson Controls for two years now, Sarah has shown herself to be a proven leader in fire suppression, applying her experience and insights to some of the most complex fire suppression challenges,” shared Richard Lek, VP and GM, Building Technologies and Solutions, UK&I at Johnson Controls. “She is an asset to the team and I am excited to see her thrive in our enterprise sales function.” “I’m honoured to have progressed in my role at Johnson Controls and am eager to work among some of the best in the business,” said Sarah Dixon. “I look forward to drawing on my experience to help drive Johnson Controls toward continued industry leadership and global success.” During her time with Johnson Controls, Sarah has led her team in driving the return of sales for Fire Suppression. Alongside her fantastic work in improving their financial results, Sarah has spent time speaking both internally and externally to encourage diversity and inclusion within the industry. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Affordable housing provider SO Resi, the shared ownership arm of housing association Metropolitan Thames Valley Housing, has appointed its Group Head of Sales, Kevin Sims, into the newly created role of Director of Sales & Marketing. The new position forms part of SO Resi’s ongoing mission to inform and educate the market on shared ownership, where Kevin will be responsible for leading SO Resi’s sales and marketing function across the UK. Kevin, who joined SO Resi in the summer of 2019, has a 35-year-long background in the property and mortgage industry, having worked across a number of sectors including new homes development, estate agency and shared ownership. Before joining SO Resi, Kevin held Regional Sales & Marketing Director roles for national housebuilders including McCarthy & Stone, Wilcon Homes and Prowting Homes, and was also Regional Director for Countrywide. Kevin comments: “It’s a fantastic opportunity to be a part of this exciting new chapter for SO Resi, and this brand new role feels like the natural next step in our mission to continue the necessary conversations about shared ownership. Marketing is an incredibly valuable tool for informing, educating and supporting people about the benefits of affordable schemes. I’m determined to change the way that shared ownership is perceived within the industry, and by first time buyers, many of whom don’t understand the benefits that the product can offer.” SO Resi has already seen exceptional sales performance in recent years, and has recently launched three new developments: SO Resi Farnham, SO Resi Bracknell and SO Resi Welwyn Garden City. As many more first time buyers turn to affordable schemes in wake of Help to Buy, demand for shared ownership is expected to increase throughout the upcoming year. The brand-new Director of Sales & Marketing role will see Kevin continue to build on SO Resi’s recent successes, alongside taking on new challenges as the housing association moves into the Rent to Buy and London Living Rent tenures, with SO Resi’s first London Living Rent development expected to launch in Spring 2023. “Where SO Resi differs from other housing providers is the continued focus on encouraging homeownership in a way that is safe and sustainable for the customer,” Kevin adds. He continues: “Balancing customer needs with business requirements is a challenge that everyone in this industry faces, but where SO Resi stands out from the crowd is its agile approach to selling new homes. We put product innovation, the customer experience and a continued pursuit for improvement at the forefront of everything we do. As we venture into other tenures, we bring the lessons learnt and successes achieved from working in shared ownership to the table.” Kevin plans to build on this growth trajectory as SO Resi celebrates the second anniversary of its partnerships arm. He adds: “I’d like to focus on the opportunities that come with forging new partnerships. In some ways, the industry is very disconnected and affordable housing is looked down upon as lesser, despite playing a crucial role in bringing homeownership back into reach for first time buyers. By building these important connections with developers, we can help to raise standards across the entire industry. We have a depth of infrastructure and experience in selling new build schemes which a number of our partners have already recognised, and we have stepped up to run their sales and staircasing function too.” To find out more about SO Resi call 0208 607 0550 or visit www.soresi.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
SIMON BRIGGS has been appointed as the very first ‘energy lead’ for complete construction partner Stepnell. In the new role, Simon will be responsible for designing and implementing renewable energy and carbon reduction technologies for clients, which will underpin Stepnell’s long-term “Step to Zero” carbon strategy. Simon joins Stepnell as energy lead following close to 20 years in the construction industry delivering projects spanning the education, hotel, leisure and industrial sectors. Having started his career working on maintenance and refurbishment projects for the Ministry of Defence, Simon then progressed into engineering and building services. As energy lead, Simon will be managing and collaborating with the sustainability team to provide added value support on projects across all regions. He will also be overseeing sustainable installations through Step Energy – Stepnell’s new, embedded energy and renewables business. Simon commented: “This is an exciting new role that reflects Stepnell’s unfaltering commitment to sustainable solutions, which is so important to embrace in the current climate. With net zero ambitions across the entire construction industry, Stepnell continues to be a pioneer through forward-thinking strategies including our ‘Step to Zero’ carbon strategy. “As energy lead, my goal is to see a reduction in the ‘copy & paste’ design culture in the construction industry and replace outdated technologies. I look forward to using my expertise to deliver renewable energy solutions that help the business embrace change and make significant contributions to a carbon neutral construction industry by 2030.” Tom Wakeford, managing director at Stepnell said: “The new energy lead role underpins Stepnell’s strategy to invest in and deliver sustainable project solutions. “Through Simon’s expertise and enthusiasm, we know he shares our commitment as an industry-leading, complete construction partner, to achieve energy efficiency and carbon reduction in the built environment. “Simon will be engaging with clients in the early design stages to enable them to make realistic and informed decisions regarding energy use and renewable integration. We pride ourselves on this engagement approach to maximise the added value we can deliver.” To find out more about Stepnell visit www.stepnell.co.uk, or join in the conversation at @Stepnellltd. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Hilti’s North American Marketing Director Thibaud Lefebvre has begun 2023 with a move to the UK to take up senior leadership positions in the company’s GB and E1 (Northern European) regions, now sitting as GB vice president and a member of the E1 leadership team covering GB, Ireland, Finland, Sweden and Denmark. Beginning his career with Hilti back in 2001 in his native France, Lefebvre worked in various sales roles before relocating to Spain in 2012 as a sales director for the south of Spain and Canary Islands. He joined Hilti Canada in 2018 as sales director for the largest division in Hilti North America, going on to lead the business unit for tool services and software in 2020 as marketing director and member of the North America marketing leadership team. His responsibilities included the tool repair network, warranty and service concepts as well as Hilti’s software and internet of things (IoT) business in the region. Lefebvre’s move to Hilti GB sees him sit alongside long-standing sales director and fellow VP Gareth Prosser. A passionate advocate of digitisation across the industry, Lefebvre’s position will be heavily focused on modernisation for Hilti’s customers via technology. He commented: “Productivity in construction lags behind other sectors, and has stagnated for over 20 years as a result. Construction is one of the least digitised sectors, but this means there is huge opportunity. The construction sector can make significant gains in productivity and thus profitability by embracing the advantages of new technologies, IoT and digitalisation. As an example, our customers have tried many things to manage, optimise and track small tools and equipment, but it’s still one of the biggest challenges they face today. Our research shows that each jobsite loses on average 2 days per month of productivity due to workers searching for tools, or not having the right performing tools. I strongly believe we can make construction better, and we, at Hilti, deliver productive solutions, software and services to make it so. We have what is needed to become the best productivity partner of our customers.”
WOLSELEY Group today announced that Sarah Broughton has been appointed as Group HR Director. At a time when the plumbing, heating and cooling sectors have become more reliant on trade specialists that can advise on and source best-fit solutions, she will lead the strategy for identifying, developing and retaining talent across all group companies, as well as nurturing a successful and inclusive culture. Wolseley has grown organically and through acquisition in recent years, and now has a team of over 6000 people across the UK and Ireland. Sarah was most recently HR Director at Waterstones and also Group HR Director at DCS Group. Prior to that she ran her own interim business working as HR Director at Travis Perkins, City Plumbing, Virgin Atlantic and Bensons for Beds. Prior to which she held permanent roles as Group HRD for Mothercare and World Duty Free Group. Simon Oakland, CEO, Wolseley Group, said: “Wolseley has a proud history of putting the expertise and experience of all of its people front and centre in delivering for customers. As we increase the depth and breadth of our customer offer, our talent strategy is core to how we serve the market and how we make our group the most attractive place to work in the sector for our colleagues. Sarah will be an invaluable member of our leadership team and enable us to ensure we maintain a high bar as an employer of choice.” Sarah Broughton, Group HR Director, Wolseley, said: “As a trade specialist, Wolseley is a people-driven business, which is something that has become ever-more important as the team worked through the pandemic and is now helping customers in a tough economic period. We will endeavour to deliver on a talent strategy that drives positive outcomes for customers and colleagues alike.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
KICKING the new year off to a running start, leading commercial property agent Innes England has announced a number of key promotions – including the appointment of a new equity holder. Matt Howson, who joined Innes England in 2016, has been promoted to a shareholding director. Managing director Matt Hannah accredited his elevation to his ability to strengthen and develop important relationships with clients, and his consistently high-quality work. Explaining his new role, Matt said: “I’m delighted to have been asked to become an equity holding director in the company, and I’m looking forward to the more strategic role I will be playing for the wider business. “I joined Innes England as a chartered surveyor and have since seen my career grow exponentially thanks to the opportunities and support that Innes England has provided, for which I am immensely grateful. “This year, I hope to build the property asset management team’s successes from 2022 further, working alongside Gary Woodward and the rest of our hugely talented team, and am looking forward to see the new heights we can reach.” Innes England, which has offices in Nottingham, Derby, Leicester and Birmingham, has also announced several other promotions, including two new directors. Hannah Vassey is promoted to finance director, and Ross Whiting becomes director of business space agency. Hannah said: “I love working at Innes England. The company has supported me in carving out a role for myself that’s my own, promoting every step of my personal and professional growth along the way. “The new capacity this promotion provides will allow me to engage more with the strategic decisions that are driving the business forward and is more of what I enjoy in my work already. I’m immensely grateful and keen to continue my work in my new role.” On his promotion, Ross said: “In the eight years I’ve been with Innes England, I’ve had the opportunity to grow and develop massively as a surveyor. Since graduating, I’ve worked my way up through the ranks negotiating and delivering numerous successful deals for the business and am now excited to be taking this next step up. “I’m particularly looking forward to the opportunity this promotion affords me to be more involved within the company and I will continue to strive to provide results for my clients.” Innes England’s sweep of New Year promotions also sees chartered surveyors Andrew Smith and Sam Hall move up to associate director of professional services and associate director of retail and roadside respectively. Both were recognised by the senior team for their diligent work with many of their important clients, such as the high street hallmark retailer Greggs, and Well Pharmacy, working closely with them to achieve their business needs. Speaking on all the promotions announced, Matt Hannah said: “I want to congratulate all five members of the team that have been promoted. They have all proved themselves as significant contributors deserving of being rewarded for their hard work and determination to continue building on Innes England’s growing successes. “They have all shown the attitudes, values, and most importantly the ability to bring forward and work between our service lines for an all-encompassing offering to our clients that I believe sets our business apart. I look forward greatly to seeing how they will develop their skills and careers further with us in their new roles.” To find out more about Innes England, visit the company’s website: https://www.innes-england.com/
When Ben Mackett joined developer and heritage specialist City & Country after he graduated in 2010, he worked directly with David Sargeant, the company’s Development Director at the time and one of the owners of the business. Now, after working on the other side of the Atlantic, Mackett is returning to take over his friend’s old role – re-joining the company as Development Director and looking forward to inspiring and equipping the next generation of young graduates. After graduating from Anglia Ruskin University in Chelmsford, Mackett joined City & Country as one of its first graduate entrants, and was given the chance to work in various departments across the business learning the ropes, before settling into a role helping David Sargeant with projects across the south east of England. “It was a great learning curve,” he recalls. Four years later he moved to live in London and spent four years working for a project management consultancy called Tower 8, broadening his experience, including working on the Lanesborough Hotel, The Hoxton Hotel and The Broadway apartment complex. After experiencing the rush of working in central London, Mackett wanted to extend his horizons further still. “I really wanted to work abroad, so I started applying for jobs overseas at other project management consultant firms.” This led to four years working in Los Angeles on a range of projects from retail to office to residential (both new build and refurbishment). “Construction in America is very different, even the language is different,” he says. “I already knew how to build and manage projects, but the processes and contracts were not the same so this definitely took some getting used to. I was also pushed out of my comfort zone as I was managing my own team for the first time – however, I soon became comfortable and now really enjoy this aspect.” “I had been planning to stay in Los Angeles when I was offered the role at City & Country – going full circle to have the position of development director. I couldn’t turn it down, I wanted to jump in and take the opportunity with a fresh perspective from my diverse experience over the intervening years.” Mackett’s new role as Development Director involves being active in many areas of the business, including managing projects and project teams at sites predominantly in London and Bristol keeping time, cost, quality and risk under control. “I have kept in contact with David Sargeant throughout my career and we have stayed on friendly terms, so it’s really exciting to be rejoining the company at a senior level and taking on his old job. The company has changed a lot since I worked there as a graduate, particularly with the growth of the new build side of the business which I’ve had great experience in over the last few years; I’m also particularly passionate about the renovations side of the business – I’m really looking forward to working on such a diverse portfolio.” says Mackett. “I’m especially excited about working on The 1840 – it’s a big project transforming a great building,” he says. The 1840, near Wandsworth Common in South West London, is a major restoration project sensitively converting a redundant Grade II Listed hospital building into apartments. “It’s fantastic to see this old NHS building that was run down and in disrepair having a new lease of life – it will be an amazing place to live!” Mackett continued, “The key goals I hope to achieve in this role are mainly around creating high-performing teams, so people feel challenged when they come to work but have fun at the same time. I don’t want a top-down approach, but a working environment where everyone has ownership of their own role and the opportunity to excel.” He loves the role of Development Director as it involves so many different aspects of the business. “I will be involved in design, planning, cost and customer care – the job is constantly changing so I will never get bored as I’m not doing the same thing every day. I’m looking forward to being constantly challenged!” David Sargeant, Director at City & Country, added: “We are delighted to have Ben Mackett on board and are pleased that after exploring the world he has decided to return to his roots for the next stage of his career, back to where it all began.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Wates has appointed two senior level directors to lead its facilities management and southern planned housing maintenance businesses. Antony Collett joins as Managing Director (MD) for the facilities management (FM) business and replaces James Gregg, who has moved into the role of MD of the southern planned division, housing maintenance, having been managing both businesses since December 2021. Antony brings more than 20 years’ experience within the FM and real estate industries, with senior roles at Maintenance Management Ltd, Integral UK and Verisae. His most recent role was Managing Director at Mitie where he was responsible for large scale transformation within its Technical Services business. James is a Wates veteran, having taken a number of roles in the fit out and refurbishment business, ending as pre-construction and strategy director before moving on to lead the FM business in July 2016. In their new roles, both Antony and James will be responsible for delivering each business’ ambitious growth plans by strengthening existing customer relationships and growing their business in current and new markets, including Wates’ drive to help customers achieve their net zero carbon. David Morgan, Executive Managing Director, Wates Property Services, said: “In Antony and James, we have two excellent leaders for two critical parts of our business. Our FM business has gone from strength to strength in the last few years under James’ leadership and has had another record-breaking year in 2022. “Antony brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our business, and we are looking forward to welcoming him to Wates and see him build on the great foundations we have in place. Since taking on the leadership of our south planned division, James has delivered some amazing results. I look forward to seeing them both take our businesses to new levels that help us achieve our ambitious growth plans.” Wates is currently delivering planned and responsive housing maintenance to over 500,000 social housing properties and FM services to over 350 properties across the public and private sectors in England. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Andrew Ingram has been announced as the new Managing Director at leading heating, plumbing and air movement materials supplier TG Lynes. Long-serving Andrew has taken over the top job at the thriving Enfield-based business from Martin Hastings. Andrew has been with TG Lynes for almost 20 years having started out as Transport Manager before progressing to General Manager and now MD. He said he was thrilled to take up the new role and had a clear vision of how to keep the business moving forward. “Becoming MD of TG Lynes has been a goal of mine in recent years so I am delighted that the board agreed with my ideas and has given me the opportunity to carry on Martin’s fantastic work,” said Andrew. “TG Lynes offers excellent career progression opportunities and a chance to improve yourself and I am just one example of that. “The business is in a strong position and has enjoyed seven years of year-on-year growth – but we still have big plans and goals for the years ahead. “We have great clarity on how we continue to move forward. Our overriding aim is to make the experience as simple and as easy as possible for customers, many of whom have highly pressurised lives.” Andrew said the business would also continue to look for new products to add to its already extensive range, while continuing to make strides in sustainability and towards net zero. He added that the business would continue with its promise to support the local community in Enfield. Last year TG Lynes launched its inaugural Helping Hands campaign which saw more than £15,000 of product and labour awarded to three good causes in its vicinity. Andrew said: “Our commitment to excellence and the four pillars of the business – sustainability, community, integrity and quality – will remain the same. “We have made significant advances in sustainability and our community work in recent years and we’re keen to continue building in those areas while offering first-class, hassle-free service to customers, old and new.” Andrew praised Martin for his achievements over six-and-a-half years at the TG Lynes helm. Martin has moved on to become CEO at Leyland SDM which, along with TG Lynes, is part of the Grafton Group. “Martin has been fundamental in the success we have enjoyed in recent years,” he said. “He has overseen not only tremendous growth but also improvements for colleagues and I wish him all the best.” TG Lynes stocks industry leading brands and supplies thousands of products including valves, steel and copper tubes and fittings, press systems, composite and plastic plumbing, drainage solutions and support systems and tooling. An extensive plant hire service is also available. Visit www.tglynes.co.uk for more information. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Chris Tunningley has been appointed as Leeds College of Building Assistant Principal for Adult Learning and Higher Education. Chris, formerly the Head of University Centre for Architecture, Engineering & Construction at Leeds College of Building, succeeds retiring Assistant Principal Brian Duffy. “I am thrilled to start in this post at Leeds College of Building. I’m passionate about how education can raise prospects and know that gaining a sought-after trade or profession while attaining maths, English, and digital skills can be life changing. Studying part-time or following a vocational higher-education pathway like a degree apprenticeship is a hands-on and economical route that ultimately leads to the same successful career destination as traditional academic routes,” commented Chris. Chris has over 33 years of experience in the Building Services Engineering industry and Further and Higher Education sectors, initially qualifying as a gas engineer. After 19 years in engineering, Chris transitioned to teaching in 2008 when he became a lecturer in Building Services Engineering & Construction at Leeds College of Building. “Huge congratulations to Chris after a competitive selection process against a high calibre of candidate. Chris succeeds outgoing Assistant Principal Brian Duffy, who worked at the College for many years before retiring in December. Brian was critical in the growth of our higher education provision, and I know that Chris will be instrumental in building on this success. May I join others in wishing Chris well as he moves into this role,” added Leeds College of Building Principal & CEO Nikki Davis. Following this, Chris was appointed Curriculum Manager for Building Services & Civil Engineering and then Assistant Faculty Director for HE, Construction Design & Management at the College. Chris will oversee adult learning and funding to combat regional skills shortages, plan for future skills needs (such as sustainable construction), and widening participation in education. Chris will also lead on higher education strategy, which incorporates the new Leeds College of Building University Centre, and work closely with employer partners and other professional bodies. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
