New Appointments in Facilities Management – June 2025

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24 June 2025

Catch up on the latest new appointments in the world of FM, commercial real estate and the built environment.

 

Picture: a graphic showing the headshots of Jill Nicholls, Dan Foryszewski and Adrian Parris 

 

BESA Appoints New Director of Competence and Compliance

 

The Building Engineering Services Association has appointed a new director of competence and compliance. Jill Nicholls is stepping up from her current role as head of service development to replace Helen Yeulet who is moving on to a new position as strategic consultant to the Association focusing on key industry-wide projects and government skills policy.

In her previous role, Jill was responsible for driving up standards in skills and training across the BESA membership.“Jill’s commitment and dedication to raising the bar for skills, training, and competence standards has already made a major impact. It is exactly what we need to take our crucial work around professional and technical competence and compliance to the next stage,” said BESA Chief Executive Officer David Frise.

“She will be building on impressive foundations laid by Helen who will now focus her considerable expertise on several strategic projects that are vital to the industry’s future,” he added.

Jill joined BESA last year after seven years at the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education where she rose to become head of construction and transport.  She was previously employed by the Education Development Trust.

“I am excited to be taking on this important role at such a pivotal time for the building engineering sector,” she said. “Competence and compliance are central to everything our members face – not least increasing scrutiny around building safety, the push to decarbonise buildings, and the wider adoption of digital technologies which require a new type of skilled worker.

“I am looking forward to cementing BESA’s position at the heart of these issues and continuing to build on what Helen has already achieved.”

 

MRI Software Announces Senior Leadership Appointments in EMEA

 

MRI Software has announced two executive promotions that will support the company’s continued growth and innovation in the EMEA region. Dan Foryszewski and Marcus Scholes will assume new Managing Director (MD) roles, enhancing MRI’s leadership presence across key sectors.

“We are thrilled to recognise the talent and dedication of Marcus and Dan with these new leadership roles,” comments Dermot Briody, EVP, Executive Managing Director, EMEA at MRI Software. “As we continue to scale and capitalise on our market opportunities, their vision and experience will be instrumental in driving value for our clients and our organisation.”

Dan Foryszewski will take on the role of Managing Director for MRI Living (Private Residential) in the UK. In this capacity, Dan will oversee both existing clients and new client acquisition within the private residential sector, leading thousands of customers across block management, build-to-rent, and agency operations. Along with the senior leadership team, he will drive client retention, business growth, product strategy and delivery.

Having joined MRI Software 10 years ago, Dan has risen through the organisation, playing a pivotal role in MRI’s market success in the private residential space. His years of hands-on experience working with clients of all sizes and varied requirements uniquely qualify him to guide the rapidly growing residential business unit.

“I am delighted to have the opportunity to lead MRI’s Private Residential business unit for EMEA,” said Dan Foryszewski. “Now more than ever, we have a market leading solution suite and the best people to deliver exceptional outcomes for our clients.”

Marcus Scholes will step into the role of Managing Director for Commercial Property Management in EMEA. In addition to his ongoing responsibilities leading Professional Services and Managed Services, Marcus will now guide the strategic direction and growth of the MRI @Work sector, driving innovation and excellence across the region.

“I’m excited to step into this expanded role and continue working closely with our clients to drive innovation in commercial property management,” Scholes commented. “With our talented team and industry-leading solutions, we are well positioned to deliver real value and support our clients’ evolving needs.”

These strategic appointments highlight MRI Software’s commitment to investing in its people and building a leadership structure that supports continued expansion, innovation, and market leadership.

 

BOHS Welcomes Adrian Parris as New President and Announces Sarah Leeson as President-Elect

 

The British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS), the Chartered Society for Worker Health Protection, is pleased to announce the appointment of Adrian Parris as its new President, following the Society's Annual General Meeting held on Friday 6th June. Adrian succeeds Parmjit Gahir and will serve a one-year term, during which he aims to further the Society's mission to safeguard the UK's current and future health through the prevention of harmful exposures in the workplace.

Adrian Parris is a Chartered Fellow of the Faculty of Occupational Hygiene with over 25 years of experience across the chemical, steel, and nuclear sectors, including roles at Clariant UK Ltd, Tata Steel, and, for the past fourteen years, Sellafield Ltd. An active BOHS member, Adrian has contributed significantly to the Society's initiatives. He began as a member of the annual conference committee and has served as an examiner for over thirteen years following his completion of the Diploma in Professional Competence in Occupational Hygiene.

"I am both delighted and honoured to become the President of BOHS," said Adrian. "My passion lies in protecting worker health, and I look forward to building upon the Society's recent successes in raising the profession's profile and educating key stakeholders. It's essential to support the board in delivering our strategic aims and ensuring the profession's sustainability by providing members with the tools they need and creating and maintaining strong partnerships."

The new President-Elect is Sarah Leeson, a Chartered Fellow of the Faculty of Occupational Hygiene, who brings a wealth of experience to the position, having more than 30 years of service in the petrochemical industry working for ExxonMobil. Since 2019, Sarah served as the Registrar of the Faculty of Occupational Hygiene and led the launch of the Register of Occupational Hygiene Professionals, which is accredited by the Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care (PSA). This achievement recognises the Society’s commitment to the highest standards in professional practice, making Occupational Hygiene the first of the occupational health professions to achieve this status.

Sarah commented, "It has been a privilege to lead the launch of the Register of Occupational Hygiene Professionals, and I’m incredibly proud that our work has been recognised through PSA accreditation. This would not have been possible without the dedication and expertise of the Faculty of Occupational Hygiene committee, who continue to uphold the highest standards in our field. As President-Elect, I look forward to helping elevate the Society’s profile further, and continuing to champion the vital role occupational hygienists play in protecting workers’ lives and health."

The new President will be supported by a dedicated and highly experienced Board of Trustees and Faculty members, all of whom give their time voluntarily to the Society. Representing a wide range of sectors, these professionals share a common purpose: to prevent life-altering and fatal diseases caused by workplace exposures. Their passion, expertise and commitment are central to the Society’s mission, and they will work alongside the new President to advance BOHS’s strategic goals and its reputation as the professional home for occupational hygiene.

 

Duncan Sharp Appointed as President of the Plumbing and Heating Federation 

 

Duncan Sharp has been appointed as the 101^st President of the Plumbing and Heating Federation (SNIPEF), determined to tackle the ongoing workforce crisis, apprenticeship funding stagnation, while championing a future-ready industry in the transition towards net-zero.

Commenting on his appointment as President, Duncan Sharp said, “Becoming SNIPEF President is a great honour for me, and I see it as an opportunity to give something back to a profession that gave me a livelihood. 

"I am excited and motivated to see how we can move forward for the benefit of our members and what we can do to deliver positive change to the plumbing and heating profession.”

Duncan Sharp began his career in the gas industry over 50 years ago, joining Scottish Gas as an apprentice. He developed hands-on expertise in the installation and servicing of gas central heating systems, progressing into system design for both domestic and commercial applications. He also provided technical support to installation teams across the Scottish Gas regions.

His career later moved into sales and technical consultancy, where he represented Sunvic. Duncan worked closely with local authorities, Scottish Gas, housebuilders and independent installers, advising on the benefits of modern control systems. He subsequently joined ACL, where his leadership qualities led to a series of promotions culminating in his appointment as UK Sales Director. In this role, he managed a team of 35 across sales and support offices and was responsible for a turnover of £70 million.  Building on this experience, and driven by a strong belief in renewable energy, he founded his own company, Grange Energy Services Limited, in 2002.

In recent years, Duncan has expanded his contribution to the profession through leadership and governance roles. He has served as a Director on the SNIPEF Board since May 2023 and became a Director/Trustee of BPEC in July 2024.

With a career spanning hands-on engineering, senior leadership, renewable innovation and industry advocacy, Duncan brings a wealth of experience to his presidency. He remains committed to supporting SNIPEF members, championing skills development, and promoting a sustainable and forward-looking plumbing and heating profession.

Duncan’s presidency will run from 6 June 2025 until 5 June 2026

 

ESS Welcomes Richard Jones to Leadership Team

 

ESS, part of Compass Group UK & Ireland, has welcomed Richard Jones to its leadership team. Richard joins ESS as Managing Director for its Government business, bringing a clear focus on operational excellence and ambitions for growth in the sector.

Richard will take responsibility for the strategic direction and service delivery across ESS Government which provides a range of catering and FM services to high-profile clients within central government, police and secure environments.

Richard joins ESS from Sodexo where he has spent the past 13 years in a number of senior project and operational roles, most recently leading high-profile Government contracts delivering catering and FM services. He brings a wealth of experience, including comprehensive knowledge of Integrated Facilities Management across the UK and internationally, and a proven track record of contract transformation.

Prior to working in the FM industry, Richard spent 22 years in the British Army, where he rose through the ranks and held a series of key leadership appointments across a range of strategic and operational roles, both in the UK and overseas.

He is a Certified member of the IWFM (Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management), sits on the committee of the IWFM Veterans in FM Network, is a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, holds an MSc in Facilities Management and is a graduate of the Royal College of Defence Studies. 

Richard becomes part of an established leadership team within ESS, committed to working collaboratively with clients and delivering innovation for customers, and will work closely with the organisation’s other sectors: Defence, Energy, Infrastructure and Marine & Aerospace.

Richard commented: "I’m excited to be joining such a dynamic team at ESS. The opportunity to collaborate with an incredibly talented group of people while contributing to the growth and success of the organisation is something I’m really looking forward to. Together, we’ll continue to deliver excellent services and exceptional value to our clients.”

Ronnie Kelman, Managing Director – ESS Energy, Government & Infrastructure, added: “We’re thrilled to welcome Richard to the ESS leadership team following impressive careers within the FM industry and the British Army. Richard’s extensive knowledge, experience and dedication to delivering exceptional FM services will drive continued focus on enhancing the customer experience, maximising innovation to benefit our clients and growing our Government business. I wish him every success in his new role.”

 

Holman Appoints Mark Robbins as Head of Client Relations

 

Holman, a leading specialist in leasing and fleet management, has appointed Mark Robbins as Head of Client Relations to strengthen strategic partnerships and elevate customer engagement.

Mark has more than 20 years’ experience in the automotive leasing sector, including spending the past six years at Holman. His new role is focused around building trust between Holman and its client base, working to make the relationship more strategic and meaningful.

Commenting on the appointment, Mark said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to take on this new role. We already have strong foundations with our clients, and now we have an exciting opportunity to go even further – deepening those relationships, delivering fresh insight and bringing real innovation to the table. It’s not rocket science, it’s about being present and really getting under the skin of what makes your client tick.

“At Holman, Driving What’s Right means doing the right thing for our clients every time, and that starts with client intimacy – getting to know our customers' businesses so well that we can anticipate needs and create tailored solutions. With an exciting range of new products and services coming to market, it’s the perfect time to take these partnerships to the next level.

“Relationship building has always been at the core of what I do – creating real connections, understanding each client’s world and delivering on our promises.”

Rory Mackinnon, Commercial Director at Holman, added: “I am delighted with Mark’s appointment to head up our Client Relations activity. He has a great knowledge of the market proven over many years and, importantly, has a key focus on supporting our customers and Driving What’s Right.

“I am confident that through Mark’s leadership, the team will continue to build stronger relationships and provide strategic support to improve our customers’ operations as well as take true advantage of Holman’s comprehensive fleet management services.”

 

Evolution Names Jake Rackham and Mark Corrigan Joint Managing Directors

 

Evolution, the UK and Ireland’s largest privately owned, employee-owned electronic security and life safety systems integrator, has appointed Jake Rackham and Mark Corrigan as Joint Group Managing Directors. The move comes as founders Richard Lambert and John Wust step back into consultative roles, marking a key milestone in Evolution’s 30th anniversary year and its ongoing success following the transition to employee ownership in 2022.

Jake and Mark, who both began their careers as apprentice engineers, now lead a company that spans five countries and employs over 260 professionals globally.

In an industry often dominated by acquisition and consolidation, Evolution has grown through innovation and a commitment to developing its own talent. This approach has allowed the company to expand successfully over the years, culminating in its transition to employee ownership in 2022. The Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) has fostered a culture of ownership among the team, which has been pivotal in driving growth.

“We’re proud to have a workforce that not only builds the systems that protect businesses but also shares in the company’s success,” said Richard Lambert, co-founder of Evolution.

"Since the EOT transition, we’ve grown from 190 to 260 employees, expanded into new markets such as the Netherlands, Norway, and Italy, and exceeded our financial targets.

“Mark and Jake joined the business on the same day,” Richard continues, “Through their dedication and skill, they have not only advanced their own careers but also driven the company forward. They, along with the new Board, are the perfect leaders to carry Evolution into the future.”

 

InfinitSpace Appoints Heiko Himme as Head of Real Estate, Mainland Europe

 

InfinitSpace, the global flexible workspace provider, has appointed Heiko Himme as its new Head of Real Estate for Continental Europe, marking a significant step in the company’s strategic expansion across the continent.

With more than 20 years of experience in the commercial real estate and flex workspace sectors, Himme brings deep market insight and a proven leadership track record. He joins InfinitSpace after serving as International Partner and Head of Berlin at Cushman & Wakefield, and prior to that as Vice President and Head of Real Estate for Germany, Nordics, and Central & Eastern Europe at WeWork. His career also includes senior roles at DTZ and founding his own advisory firm, Himme Consulting.

In his new role, Himme will be responsible for sourcing, structuring, and scaling landlord partnerships throughout mainland Europe, supporting InfinitSpace’s mission to create vibrant, tech-enabled workspaces embedded in local communities. He will focus on identifying growth opportunities in key urban markets, enhancing building performance for landlords, and delivering premium, flexible workspace solutions for users.

“I’m excited to join InfinitSpace at such a pivotal moment,” said Heiko Himme. “The team has achieved remarkable growth, and I look forward to accelerating that by developing strong relationships with property owners and creating spaces that support both business productivity and local community engagement.”

InfinitSpace was founded in 2020 by former WeWork executive Wybo Wijnbergen and his brother Wilco. The company partners with landlords to transform office buildings into fully serviced, branded flexible workspace destinations under its own brand Beyond or white-labeled for landlords.

“Heiko brings an exceptional depth of experience and strategic vision to InfinitSpace,” said Wybo Wijnbergen, CEO and Co-founder of InfinitSpace. “His understanding of both the landlord mindset and the flexible workspace market will be instrumental in driving our next phase of European growth.”

Himme will be based in Berlin and will lead real estate activities in all continental Europe markets, working closely with local partners and municipalities to meet the growing demand for flexible work environments.

 

Alex Ricketts Named New MD for Local Accounts at Eurest

 

Alex Ricketts has been named as the new Local Accounts Managing Director for contract caterer Eurest after 15 years with the wider Compass Group UK & Ireland business.

Alex, who was previously Strategic Partnerships Director for Eurest, first joined Compass in October 2010 and has risen through the ranks due to his outstanding focus on operational excellence and client-centred approach.

Within this new role he will drive Eurest’s offer to achieve its strategic goal of accelerating growth.

Alex said: “This is an exciting time for Eurest and I am proud to have been part of our journey so far. Delivering a tailored and personal contract catering service that smaller and single site partners desire is something I am passionate about.

“Our ethos is to be seen as part of the team for our client partners and to have a personable one-on-one relationship with them – but with the size and scale of Compass Group UK & Ireland behind us. That’s a powerful combination.”

Morag Freathy, CEO of Compass Group UK & Ireland’s Business & Industry (B&I) sector, said: “I’m delighted to see Alex take on this crucial role for Eurest and it is an important appointment for the business.

“Alex’s energy, drive and collaborative leadership style have made him extremely popular with colleagues and clients alike over many years. He has helped develop our strategic vision and knows Eurest inside out. I’m confident this is a role in which he will excel even more.”

Alex said: “We constantly evolve our offer, responding to customer and client demand, as well as leading the way with innovation and doing the right thing.  

“A great example which responds to client feedback and driving our offer forward is some of our new on-site events, which have included an extremely well-received pop-up featuring a DJ, outdoor barbecue and delicious Punjabi food for one of our client partners.

“We can clearly show the workplace as a leading benefit for employees, especially with our focus on delivering health, wellbeing and sustainability through our food offer.”

Alex will also prioritise the use of data to drive improvements and encourage creativity as Eurest’s client base grows.

He said: “I’m a strong advocate for constantly using feedback and data to improve and inspire.

“Last year we received 85,000 pieces of feedback from our Did We Make You Smile system and it’s important we use that data well to develop new concepts and to listen to our customers. I want Eurest to bring personality and excitement to the workplace.”

 

Other Recent New Appointments:

 

• Building Research Establishment Appoints New CEO
• Vince Arnold Appointed CIBSE President for 2025–2026

 

Picture: a photograph of a person standing up, as if giving a presentation, they are holding a tablet and standing in front of a plant, wall-mounted screen and wooden storage unit. Image Credit: Unsplash

Article written by Ella Tansley | Published 24 June 2025

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