New Appointments in Facilities Management – August 2024

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23 August 2024

This month's new appointments roundup includes Elior UK, The Chartered Association of Building Engineers, The Commissioning Specialists Association and more. 

 

Picture: a graphic showing the headshots of  Laura Kendrick, Dr Hywel Davies and Neil Burdess

 

Elior UK Bolsters Leadership Team With the Appointment of Laura Kendrick

 

Leading contract caterer Elior UK has announced the appointment of Laura Kendrick, who joins the business as Chief Information Officer.

Laura brings extensive cross-sector experience in leading IT Operations and delivering large complex transformation programmes. She joins Elior UK from IPG Mediabrands where she led IT and Technology for the EMEA region and was responsible for bringing together the UK and European IT teams to move completely to the cloud for all infrastructure and applications. In her role, she also introduced new automated ways of working for key teams to improve their efficiency and integrate solutions to deliver a competitive edge.

Laura will be responsible for leading digital strategy and technology innovation across the Company, reinforcing Elior’s position as a market leader in the use of technology in the contract catering and hospitality sector.

Catherine Roe, CEO of Elior UK commented: “Laura is an experienced and driven IT leader and we are delighted to have her join our UK Leadership Team. Her significant experience in digital strategy will play a vital role leading the Elior IT team as they continue to develop our systems and innovative technologies that will continue adding value to our customers and clients.”

Laura Kendrick, CIO, Elior UK said: “I’m thrilled to be joining Elior UK and am particularly excited to work with such a high performing team to deliver real benefits to the business and our customers.”

Laura is particularly passionate about championing diversity in the technology sector and is a member of the Women Leaders in Data and AI (WLDA). She is also a member of the Hot Topics TechGirl mentorship programme which helps to support young women who want to get into Tech careers.

 

CABE Announces New Head of Technical Insight Dr Hywel Davies

 

Having worked in the construction sector for almost 40 years, Dr Davies is an authority in our industry; his appointment supports CABE’s journey of continuous improvement, focused on ensuring our members are best placed to deliver a safe, sustainable and inclusive built environment.

Beginning his career at the Building Research Establishment (BRE), Dr Davies spent over 25 years working at the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE), leading on the development of numerous guidance titles. He received an Honorary Fellowship from the Institution in 2023 in recognition of his contribution to CIBSE and to the wider industry.

Dr Davies has been active in British Standards development for 35 years. He has worked closely on building legislation, standards and industry guidance, including harmonised standards for construction products under the original Construction Products Directive (which became the Construction Products Regulation), working with former Government Chief Construction Adviser Paul Morrell on the 2023 review of construction product testing and certification.

As a leader within the built environment, Dr Davies currently chairs the BSI committee on Information Management and Data Exchange and is deputy chair of the Construction Industry Council Building Safety Committee. He serves as a member of the Building Advisory Committee of the Building Safety Regulator, having been the last chair of the Building Regulations Advisory Committee before its 2023 dissolution.

On accepting his position at CABE, he said: “I am delighted to have the opportunity to work with the Association in this new role and look forward to supporting the membership as we embrace new and reformed processes and work to rebuild public trust in our sector.”

CABE CEO Richard Harral stated: “Ensuring that our members have the right advice and insight into changing legal and technical standards has never been more important. This new role of Head of Technical Insight focuses CABE’s resources so that members can rapidly understand matters in greater depth and apply that learning in their day-to-day work. Hywel brings a wealth of experience that will prove essential over the coming months”.

 

The Commissioning Specialists Association (CSA) Creates New CEO Role and Appoints Neil Burdess

 

The Commissioning Specialists Association (CSA) is excited to announce the creation of a new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) position as a strategic step towards enhancing its operational effectiveness and addressing the increasing demands within the commissioning industry. This development is part of the organisation’s ongoing commitment to advancing the commissioning function and ensuring the delivery of first-class buildings.

The CSA has made significant progress over recent years in raising awareness about the critical role of commissioning in the construction sector. However, recognising that much work remains, it  also appreciates that staffing levels need to increase to better manage both current and future projects, as well as the day-to-day operations of the association. After careful consideration, the Management Committee concluded that appointing a senior person to coordinate the efforts of the association’s various member-led committees was essential to achieving its overall goals.

The CSA is therefore thrilled to announce Neil Burdess as its new CEO. Neil brings extensive experience and a deep understanding of the commissioning industry, coupled with proven leadership skills, making him a tremendous asset to the team. He previously held the position of Associate Director at CSA Corporate Member, Banyards, and having chaired the CSA for the past three years, his vision and dedication have already left a significant mark on the organisation.

"We are thrilled to welcome Neil Burdess to the newly created role of CEO," said Keith Barker, CSA Vice Chair. "Neil has had a very positive effect on the CSA in his previous roles within our committees and particularly during the last three years as the association’s Chair. Having decided to expand the team to cope with the ever-increasing levels of activities, we were delighted when he threw his hat into the ring. We could not pass up the opportunity to harness his creativity, positivity, and enthusiasm and look forward to his input in bringing our exciting plans to fruition."

Neil Burdess expressed his enthusiasm about joining the CSA in this new capacity, stating, "I am honoured to take on the role of CEO at such a pivotal time for the CSA. I look forward to working with the talented team here to drive our vision forward and achieve our ambitious goals."

“There is no doubt that Neil’s transition will be a significant change for Banyards, who have been long-time supporters of the CSA. However, the Management Committee are grateful for their positive stance, and in recognising that what benefits the CSA will ultimately benefit the wider commissioning community.

“Please join all those companies and individuals engaged with the CSA in welcoming Neil Burdess to his new role. The association is excited about the future and the positive impact this appointment will undoubtedly have on the organisation and the commissioning industry at large.”

 

Gareth David Appointed to Lead IG Group's New Cleaning and Hygiene Supplies Division

 

IG Group is pleased to announce the appointment of Gareth David as the head of its newly formed division, IG Cleaning and Hygiene Supplies.

This strategic move highlights IG Group’s commitment to sustaining the growth and momentum of recent years and reflects the company’s ambitious plans for expansion in this key sector. Gareth brings with him a wealth of experience, having served as the UK Managing Director for SYR, where he developed a deep expertise in the cleaning and hygiene industry. His extensive knowledge, coupled with a strong dedication to sustainability, will be invaluable assets as he steps into his new role at IG Group. 

In his new position, Gareth’s role is to build on IG Group’s existing business, develop relationships with new suppliers, expanding new ranges, and collaborating closely with customers to rapidly develop this division of IG.

Expressing his enthusiasm for the new role, Gareth said, “I’m very excited at the prospect of growing IGs presence in the Cleaning and Hygiene sector. They’ve got a very strong reputation, great service and a wide portfolio of products. All I can see is opportunities and I am really looking forward to working with the IG team and make it happen.” 

 

Lichfields Announces Key Promotions Across the UK

 

A leading planning and development consultancy has announced a raft of new promotions across the UK.

Lichfields has promoted 15 employees including Jade Scott-Meikle, based in the company’s Edinburgh office, Chris Smith, in Newcastle, and Rachel Clements in the London office, to Planning Directors.

In other roles, Zoe Simmonds (Leeds), Georgia Crowley and Maddie Lane (London) and Dominic Crowley (Newcastle) are now Associate Directors. Sophie Bisby, Lily Galek, Alice Green and Rosie Williams (London), Henry McKenzie (Manchester), and Adrian Armstrong (Newcastle) have been promoted to Senior Planners. Emma Taylor (London) and Isaac Vango (Newcastle) are now Senior Economics Consultants.

The promotions, across various roles and geographies, reflect Lichfields’ commitment to recognising and nurturing talent within the organisation, ensuring the continued delivery of exceptional planning services across the UK.

Since joining Lichfields in 2015, Jade has been instrumental to establishing the company’s presence in Scotland. Her extensive experience includes the delivery of large mixed-use and regeneration projects, tourism and leisure schemes, and town centre developments.

Chris’ career at Lichfields spans over a decade, during which he has played a crucial role in the housing sector. He has worked on the promotion of strategic sites and has assisted clients with planning applications and appeals across the North East, contributing to the delivery of housing projects in Sunderland, Durham, and Darlington.

Rachel has been at Lichfields for nearly 12 years and specialises in housing need, including demographics and housing land supply issues. She advises public and private sector clients on development strategy and policy matters, including evidence base studies, housing appeals concerning housing need and strategic land promotion.

Lichfields’ Chief Executive Jim Fennell said: “We’re very pleased to announce these promotions right across the business. We expect the property market will pick up strongly as the policies of the new government begin to take effect and our promoted staff will play a big part in helping us to service an increase in demand for our services. We wish them every success in their new roles.”

 

Arcus Backs Growth Plans with Key Appointment

 

Arcus Facilities Management, fresh off the back of the successful acquisition and integration of the Trios Group, targets further growth and expansion with the appointment of Strategic Development Director, Mike McHale.

As Arcus passes the milestone of 15 years of operations, a period that has seen sustained year-on-year organic growth from winning new customers and expanding its service offering for the benefit of existing customers, Arcus aims to drive future growth through a strategy of focused, complementary acquisitions.

In 2023, the facilities management provider completed its first major acquisition by purchasing the Trios Group. The business was fully integrated into Arcus’s operations ahead of schedule, earlier in 2024.

With this experience, the business is now targeting further acquisitions over the coming years and has appointed Mike McHale to lead this work and build a pipeline of potential future acquisitions that will enhance Arcus’ market reach and operational delivery.

Mike has extensive experience from almost three decades of leadership roles in facilities management. He has held positions in procurement, supply chain, business development, and strategic development across a wide range of businesses including Halifax, Lloyds Banking Group, Carillion, and The Co-operative Group.

Most recently, Mike was Group FM Director for Travis Perkins plc, overseeing a large and complex estate for the merchanting giant and its sub-brands.

 

Other Recent New Appointments:

 

• Rachel Gillott Promoted to Macro’s Head of UK & Europe FM Consultancy and Global Projects Director

 

Picture: a photograph showing a person working on a laptop, at a desk with pens and a wireless mouse. Image Credit: Nappy 

Article written by Ella Tansley | Published 23 August 2024

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