New Appointments in Facilities Management – February 2024

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20 February 2024

February's new appointments roundup includes ABM, First Response Group, Corps Security, Reconomy and more.

 

Picture: a graphic showing the headshots of Campbell Murdoch, Derek Neilson and Ross Doolan

 

ABM Appoints New Managing Director and Finance Leader

 

ABM, a global leader in integrated facility and aviation services, continues to deliver on its ambitious growth plans with the appointments of a new Managing Director and finance leader, and the further integration of head offices.

Campbell Murdoch has joined the business as Managing Director for the Business & Industry division, as part of the senior leadership team. Lead by SVP & President for UK and Ireland Richard Sykes, Campbell will work alongside Jim Niblock, Managing Director for Transport & Aviation, and Ian Anderson, Managing Director for All Ireland.

With over 20 years in senior board positions, Campbell joins ABM from City FM where he held the role of Managing Director. Campbell will play a key part in delivering ABM’s growth strategy which puts an immediate focus on the rapid expansion of the technical services offering.

ABM has also recently welcomed Liz Freeman to the business as Shared Services Director, Finance, for UK & Ireland. Liz brings a wealth of sector experience holding senior financial roles over the last 20 years, most recently for OCS. 

These appointments follow that of Niall Partridge as Finance Director for UK & Ireland and Simon Barnes as Vice President of Sales in the UK & Ireland at the end of 2023. Together, they are tasked with delivering the business’ ambition for the immediate future and the long-term.

Richard Sykes said: “We have entered 2024 with an incredible team in place, ready to deliver on our strategy with efficiency and speed. Contributing industry leading credentials, Campbell and Liz are welcomed additions to the leadership and we are over the moon to have them on our team.

“We have many strengths behind us now to push deeper into our chosen sectors including Transport, Business & Industry, Public Sector and Distribution and Manufacturing and I am confident that we will be seeing significant results in the coming months and years.”

Campbell Murdoch added: “I am delighted to join such a dynamic team all motivated to deliver on our goal to grow the ABM business. I have been extremely impressed with those I have already met within the Business & Industry team and I am looking forward to working with them to seize the enormous opportunity in front of us.”

 

First Response Group Announces Appointment of new Group Operations Director

 

First Response Group (FRG), the nationwide security, risk, and property protection company, has boosted its senior leadership team with the appointment of Derek Neilson into the newly created role of Group Operations Director.

Derek, who holds a Politics and International Relations (MA Hons) degree, previously headed up the company’s Scottish division, Apardion for the past eight years, starting as head of operations and then as managing director when FRG acquired the business in 2018.

With extensive security knowledge spanning more than 16 years, Derek honed his skills with time spent in the police force – including counter terrorism emergency response management and the territorial army. He brings with him a comprehensive management background alongside his experience in a risk environment, delivering strategy, governance, policies, and intelligence. 

Commenting on the appointment, Chief Operating Officer, Mark Mansfield, said: “This appointment is a strategic move that underscores our commitment to growth and recognises the talent from within our company.

“In this new leadership role, Derek will enhance our operational efficiency and be responsible for supervising our group-wide operations and central services function. This move is all part of our objective to grow the company as we aim to exceed £100m in turnover in the next three years. To meet this, we need operational excellence in leadership and Derek is a proven operator who brings this in abundance. We have every faith in him as he takes up his new role.”

Derek said: “I am delighted to take up this new position and meet the strategic priorities of the company as we drive forward on our growth journey.

“I look forward to working with the leadership team to continue to instil operational excellence in all that we do. That this position is newly created demonstrates we are moving in the right direction and I hope I can bring my experience of leading the Scottish business, as well as my track record in the police, to the new role.”

 

Corps Monitoring Bolsters Management Team in Glasgow

 

Corps Monitoring, a division of certified Social Enterprise, Corps Security, is pleased to announce the appointment of Andy Mounsey as Monitoring Technical Director and the promotion of Ross Doolan to Monitoring Control Room Manager. These strategic changes reflect Corps Monitoring's commitment to leadership excellence and continuous improvement, while demonstrating its commitment to being the employer of choice in the security monitoring sector.

Andy Mounsey brings with him a wealth of experience, having served as Operations Manager at Orbis Protect for the past 14 years. His responsibilities included overseeing the Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) and supporting the integration of new products and technologies. With 18 years in the security industry, Andy's decision to join Corps was motivated by the unique opportunity the company presented.

Upon his appointment, Andy commented: "I could see so much potential for growth in monitoring and to make the most of the excellent facility in Glasgow. Corps’ values and ethos clearly demonstrate what is important to the business and I was immediately attracted by the team’s principles and its focus on delivering the best possible service to clients.”

As Monitoring Technical Director, Andy will be working to maximise the potential of the NSI Gold Cat II accredited Corps Monitoring Centre (CMC) in Glasgow. As part of his role, he will be responsible for exploring new avenues and technologies, and use his experience to support and develop the team in the ARC.

Ross Doolan, who has been with Corps for almost six years, has steadily risen through the ranks. Starting as a CCTV Operator in 2018, he has since held roles such as Engineering Support, Technical Administrator, and now Monitoring Control Room Manager.

Following his promotion, Ross said: "I am incredibly proud to be leading the Monitoring Control Room team. Since joining Corps, I have felt like I belong to a family, and not just a business. In Corps, you are not 'just a number,' but instead, you’re able to build great relationships with colleagues and clients. It helps us work to the same goal: delivering a critical service to the highest possible standards and being indispensable to our clients.”

As Monitoring Control Room Manager, Ross will now take on responsibility for supporting the team of operators in the ARC, while ensuring the correct handling of alarms in line with NSI guidelines and meeting customer needs at all times.

 

Reconomy Promotes Paul Horrocks to Group Finance Director

 

Reconomy, the international circular economy specialist, is delighted to announce that Paul Horrocks has been promoted to Group Finance Director.

Paul has been at Reconomy for eight years as Group Financial Controller. Prior to Reconomy, Paul held the role of Group Financial Controller at Barhale, United Living Group and Bullock Construction Limited. He spent the first 14 years of his career working in Audit for Cheesmans and KPMG. 

As a highly experienced financial steward, Paul has supported Reconomy’s 26 acquisitions during his tenure, developing its capabilities and geographic reach. Reconomy’s revenues have since grown from £85 million (FY 2016) to £1.2 billion (FY 2023) as the business has expanded to operate across more than 80 countries, with more than 4,000 colleagues and over 10,000 customers.

Reconomy is an international circular economy specialist that combines technology, skills and incredible people to enable businesses to better manage their resources, helping reduce waste, optimise their supply chains, and contribute in a meaningful way toward the circular economy.

John Sullivan, Chief Financial Officer at Reconomy, commented: “Paul has been a key component of the Reconomy story over the past eight years. He has supported on numerous acquisitions, and their integration, helping Reconomy transform into a £1.2 billion, international business with a strong foundation for even further success. We are thrilled that he will be stepping up to Group Finance Director to support our financial strategy and continued growth.” 

Paul Horrocks, Group Finance Director at Reconomy, added: “I am excited to continue helping Reconomy realise its exciting potential both through further acquisitions and organic growth. I have hugely enjoyed my eight years at Reconomy – it is an ambitious, innovative business that is playing a critical role in the transition to a circular economy.”

 

The Momentum Group Adds Expert Advisors to its Board

 

Leading North West property services company, The Momentum Group, has strengthened its senior leadership team with the appointment of Yvonne Emmett Cannell and Ian O’Doherty to its board.  Both join as advisors to The Momentum Group’s co-founders, Chris Bliss and Chris Renshaw, and will help shape the company as it moves into phase two of its growth.

Former deputy Chief Executive and Finance Director, Yvonne Emmett Cannell has extensive board-level experience across the NHS, local government, charities, and subsidiary companies.  Yvonne has a history of leading on large-scale capital developments in the North West, including leisure and health hubs and Liverpool’s new specialised cancer hospital.  Yvonne currently holds a number of non-executive director positions, including Chair of the Board of Trustees at the Hospice of the Good Shepherd in Chester and Trustee at Chester Zoo.

With many years of board-level experience across the globe, Ian has had widespread involvement in listed and private companies across financial service, hospitality and consumer sectors in UK, Europe and America, including over years at MBNA, culminating in his role as CEO of MBNA Limited.  Ian’s current board positions include Non-Executive Chair for Chester Race Company and Trustee of Crewe Youth Zone, and he has previously held board member positions at UK Finance and King’s School in Chester.  In his role as the CEO of Appreciate Group, Ian first met The Momentum Group’s co-founders when the company was appointed as project manager for Appreciate Group’s move from Birkenhead to Liverpool.

Chris Bliss and Chris Renshaw, co-founders and directors of The Momentum Group, said: “Yvonne and Ian join The Momentum Group’s advisory board at a pivotal time for the company as we focus on the next stage of the business’ growth.  They have exceptional cross-sector experience and expertise, combined with strong reputations for advancing businesses through values-led and behaviours-driven leadership.  We feel their strengths and principles align seamlessly with that of The Momentum Group and are thrilled to welcome them to the group board.”

Yvonne Emmett Cannell added: “The Momentum Group is a high-performing organisation with strong growth across the North West.  Its bold plans for the future are exciting, and I look forward to using   my experience in the region to help support Chris and Chris as they implement their strategy.”

Ian O’Doherty continued: “The Momentum Group has built a great reputation with its clients, staff, supply chain, and other businesses in the North West.  Chris and Chris have built a very strong business and I am delighted to be able to apply my experience to help continue its expansion.”

 

Sodexo Appoints Chief Growth Officer for UK & Ireland

 

Sodexo UK & Ireland has appointed Dan Weiss to the newly-created role of Chief Growth Officer, leading strategy, sales and marketing to drive accelerated growth in the region.

Dan has 25 years’ experience in the industry and joined Sodexo in 2017 as Managing Director within its Government business segment. During this time, he has been responsible for the development of the Property Professional Services business and, more recently, its Government Agencies portfolio, handling £500 million of business development.

Dan Weiss said: “Sodexo has an ambitious growth target for the coming years, built on significant investment in our digital transformation and our sustainable food services. I’m looking forward to bringing Sodexo’s full potential to life for our clients and consumers, and am proud of the role I will play in our mission to grow with purpose.”

Sean Haley, CEO Sodexo UK & Ireland added: “Our ambition is to be the market leader in sustainable food and valued experiences in the UK & Ireland.  The Chief Growth Officer brings together the strategic components of growth into a central powerhouse led by Dan who, since joining Sodexo, has successfully developed key parts of our business.

“Our business is transforming with greater agility and enabling us to deliver our collective ambition.  This new role is an example of our absolute commitment to creating and delivering best in class services for our clients and consumers.”

Over its last annual financial reporting period (Sept 22 to Aug 23) Sodexo achieved strong growth with the retention of a number of its longest-standing clients across all markets, as well as adding to its portfolio in both the private and public sector

 

GPA Appoints Pat Ritchie for Second Term as Chair

 

The Government Property Agency (GPA) has confirmed a second term for Pat Ritchie CBE as its chair, extending her position by a further three years to 2027. 

Pat will continue to work closely with the wider board and executive team to support the GPA’s mission to create a better-connected, better-quality and greener government property estate.  The agency recently announced the appointment of Mark Bourgeois as interim chief executive and will be undertaking a recruitment process for a permanent CEO this year.

Pat has extensive experience in real estate, local government and economic development, including how major investment programmes can be leveraged to support regional growth.  She was chief executive of Newcastle City Council for more than eight years, where she oversaw multi-million pound regeneration projects.  She was also chief executive of the Homes and Communities Agency (now Homes England) and former deputy chief executive of the One North East Regional Development Agency.

The GPA is leading one of the most ambitious workplace transformation programmes in the UK, supporting the relocation of up to 22,000 civil service roles out of London.  Since Pat joined in 2020 the agency has grown significantly.  It now manages nearly 1m sq.m of the government’s property portfolio, providing strategic planning and workplace services to departments including design, property technology and workplace experience. 

The agency is also bringing forward the Government Hubs Programme – creating modern, shared workspaces where civil service teams can collaborate and work productively.  This includes the new Darlington Economic Campus, which will be home to nine government departments including HM Treasury and is due to be completed in 2026.

Pat Ritchie, Chair of the GPA, said: “The GPA has already made great strides in creating a more modern, joined-up and efficient estate and I look forward to building on this success in my second term as chair.  I’m incredibly passionate about the work we do, and my focus will continue to be on making sure we deliver a great experience for our clients and looking at how our activity can deliver wider benefits across the UK.  By creating fantastic places that bring government teams closer to the communities they serve, we’re enabling our civil service to make the best possible impact it can while opening up opportunities for more people to enjoy rewarding public sector careers.”

 

Other Recent New Appointments:

 

• Gary Pyle Appointed as Macro Managed Services Chief Operating Office
• Andy Wright Steps Down as Sunbelt Rentals CEO

 

Picture: a photograph showing someone writing in a lined notebook. A cup of coffee can be seen on the desk. Image Credit: Pexels

Article written by Ella Tansley | Published 20 February 2024

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