New Appointments in Facilities Management – October 2025

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28 October 2025

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

 

 

Picture: a graphic showing the headshots of Helmey El-Aasar,  Sam Schaefer and Charis McLean

 

Helmey El-Aasar Appointed as New City Security Council London Chair

 

The City Security Council is pleased to announce that Helmey El-Aasar will succeed Scott Gough as the new Chair of the London branch, effective January 1, 2026. With his extensive experience in the security industry and his dedicated service to the Council, Helmey is well-positioned to build on Scott’s achievements and lead the sector forward.

As a founding member of the City Security Council and the London Chair, Scott’s hard work, strategic vision, and commitment have played a pivotal role in the Council’s growth and success. In recognition of his remarkable contributions, Scott has graciously accepted a position on the main board, where he will continue to provide valuable leadership and support.

Helmey’s journey in the security industry began in 2002 on the frontline as a relief security officer. Over the past two decades, he has progressed through a diverse range of roles—from controller and duty manager to account director and senior leader—gaining invaluable firsthand insight into the challenges faced by frontline colleagues. His career has included time with some of the UK’s leading security providers, such as Mitie, Corps Security, and G4S. Since joining SmartSec Solutions in 2020 as Sales & Marketing Director, Helmey was appointed Managing Director in 2023. In this role, he continues to prioritise people, service excellence, and strong client partnerships.

As a longstanding member of the City Security Council, Helmey has made significant contributions through his roles on the Equality, Inclusivity, and Diversity Board, as well as serving as Vice Chair of the newly established City Security Council People Board. His leadership has been instrumental in driving key initiatives, including representing the sector at the London Pride Parade, celebrating Security Officer Day, and shaping the upcoming Frontline Awards.

 

JLL Names Sam Schaefer as CEO of Property Management

 

JLL announced today that it has named Sam Schaefer CEO of Property Management. Schaefer also joins JLL’s Real Estate Management Services Board and will lead the globalisation of the firm’s Property Management business. Based in Boston, Schaefer reports into Neil Murray, Global CEO of Real Estate Management Services, JLL.

In this newly created role, Schaefer oversees the full spectrum of Property Management services globally. He will lead JLL’s reshaped Property Management business to adapt to the dynamic needs of the market and seamlessly deliver superior value to clients, while also enabling the team to increase efficiencies, foster talent development and unlock growth opportunities for the business.

“JLL’s strong Property Management business is a testament to the work of our teams across the world to support our clients globally with local expertise,” says Murray. “Sam is a proven leader, with experience in building high-performing teams. Under his leadership, our global experts will deliver unparalleled client value to meet all of their diverse needs in a rapidly changing world.”

Schaefer joins JLL from Trammell Crow Company, where he served as Principal. Prior to Trammell Crow Company, Schaefer was the President & CEO at Hobbs Brook Real Estate and Managing Director and Global Head of Leasing, Corporate Outreach and Property Management at Tishman Speyer.

“I look forward to leading JLL’s Property Management team into the future and positioning the business for continued growth,” says Schaefer. “As a unified global team, we will deliver best-in-class operating expertise across the world by leveraging JLL’s innovative technology stack, integrated multi-service offerings and local knowledge to be the most competitive in the segments and markets in which we operate.”

Outside of JLL, Schaefer is active in his community as an avid non-profit volunteer and athlete.

 

24-7 Group Appoints Charis McLean as Chief Revenue Officer

 

24-7 Group, one of the UK’s most ambitious Total Facilities Management and technical services providers, has appointed Charis McLean as Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) — a strategic move marking the next phase in the Group’s mission to build a new kind of FM business: self-delivered, circular, and built for scale.

Charis joins the executive team to design and drive the Group’s growth engine — uniting sales, marketing, client success, and strategic partnerships under one mission: to create compounded value through creativity, control, and performance.

Recognised across the industry for blending strategic vision with commercial precision, Charis has a proven record of building high-performing teams, developing client-centric propositions, and delivering sustainable revenue growth. Her appointment signals 24-7 Group’s commitment to scaling its model, deepening client relationships, and driving consistent, high-impact growth.

“Charis embodies the energy and ambition that define Built By Us,” said Andrew Hawes, Founder & CEO. “This is a statement hire — the next step in building a business that combines operational excellence with commercial strength. Charis brings the leadership and strategic focus to accelerate our momentum and take us to the next level.”

As CRO, Charis will lead all revenue-generating functions, building integrated strategies that unlock new opportunities, expand market presence, and strengthen long-term client value.

“24-7 Group is redefining what great looks like in FM,” said Charis McLean, CRO. “This is a company with belief, vision, and capability — built to challenge convention and deliver lasting value. I’m excited to work with Andy, Spencer, and the team to drive the next chapter of growth with pace, precision, and purpose.”

 

Bellrock Appoints Mark Evans as Director of Sales, Engineering Services

 

Facilities management industry disruptor Bellrock has appointed Mark Evans as Director of Sales, Engineering Services, where he will lead the growth strategy for Bellrock’s critical engineering and technical service lines. His focus will be on strengthening client partnerships, expanding market presence, and embedding a culture that unites commercial excellence with people-centred leadership.

With over 20 years’ experience in the facilities management and built-environment sector, including almost 10 years with Integral and five years at JLL, Evans brings a proven record of leadership, strategic growth, and client partnership development to the role. Known for combining commercial insight with a people-first approach, he has built and led teams that consistently deliver value, performance, and trust.

He said: “This is a great time to be joining the Bellrock team. Their disruptive approach is redefining the industry. Engineering Services sits at the heart of the business, and we have a real opportunity to accelerate growth by blending our technical capability with the power of data, technology, and AI. My focus will be on creating value through insight, strengthening relationships with clients, empowering our people, and delivering solutions that are efficient, intelligent, and truly connected.

“Bellrock’s positioning as the trusted challenger in property; driven by insights, powered by technology, and delivered by talented people completely resonates with me. It reflects the way I believe this industry should evolve: smarter, more collaborative, and more purpose-driven.”

Colette Fellows, Managing Director of Bellrock Critical Engineering, commented: “We’re delighted to welcome Mark to Bellrock. He brings both deep sector experience and a forward-thinking mindset that aligns perfectly with our strategic vision. His ability to connect commercial growth with innovation and people development makes him a powerful addition to our senior leadership team. As we continue to embed data, technology and AI across our engineering services, Mark’s appointment will help us drive even greater value for our clients.”

Evans’ appointment signals another step in Bellrock’s commitment to redefining the property and engineering services landscape, combining trusted expertise with digital intelligence to deliver performance, efficiency, and impact for clients across the UK.

 

Jukka Kautonen Returns to Cundall to Drive Broadcast Infrastructure for Major Sporting and Entertainment Events

 

Global, independent multi-disciplinary engineering consultancy, Cundall, has named veteran Olympic Broadcasting Services project manager, Jukka Kautonen, as Director of its Leisure and Entertainment sector. Based in Madrid, Jukka specialises in the delivery of critical building services for international broadcasting operations associated with major international events, including the Olympic Games.

With over 20 years’ experience, Jukka is a seasoned electrical engineer who previously worked for Cundall from 2006 to 2014. He later joined the Rio 2016 Organising Committee as a senior project manager, overseeing the delivery of broadcasting power for all venues.

Jukka then joined the Olympic Broadcasting Services (OBS) where he delivered electrical infrastructure for the International Broadcasting Centre and competition venues at major sites, including PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympics, Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics (held in 2021), and the recent Paris 2024 Summer Olympics.

In his new role at Cundall, Jukka will draw on his extensive expertise in electrical infrastructure to support clients in delivering reliable broadcasting power for major sports and leisure events, including the Olympic Games.

Commenting on is new role, Jukka Kautonen said: “I am excited to rejoin Cundall in this new role and contribute to the dynamic Leisure and Entertainment sector. Delivering technically complex solutions for international broadcasting facilities is a challenge I truly enjoy, and I look forward to collaborating with my new colleagues and clients on these exciting projects.”

Belinda Morgan, Partner at Cundall, added: “Cundall’s Leisure and Entertainment team has been going from strength to strength in recent years, delivering innovative solutions on high profile projects including The Storm Rollercoaster in Dubai, AELTC Indoor Tennis Centre in London, Ed Sheeran’s Mathematics Tour, and the 2023 AFC Asian Cup Qatar opening ceremony.

“Having Jukka rejoin the team is extremely exciting. His breadth of experience and technical expertise in delivering large-scale engineering solutions for globally recognised events is invaluable, and I look forward to seeing the impact he will make as he leads the team forward.”

Cundall’s Leisure and Entertainment team has a long history of delivering innovative design solutions for internationally recognised clients and projects. These include whitewater rafting facilities for Olympic events, wet and dry leisure centres, theme parks, roller coasters, major event spaces, stadia and stage sets for renowned artists.

 

Gareth David Appointed as Head of Sales at Robert Scott

 

Cleaning product manufacturer and distributor Robert Scott has appointed Gareth David as its new Head of Sales (External). Gareth has over 28 years’ experience in the cleaning industry with Scot Young Research (SYR) and IG Group in various roles in sales, marketing and directing teams.

“I am joining Robert Scott at a challenging and exciting time for the cleaning industry, as our customers and their clients consider the impact of a rapidly developing sustainability agenda and relatively new technologies such as robotics,” says Gareth David.

“I am looking forward to a leadership role in managing the sales team, while supporting sales growth and developing market share for Robert Scott. My objective is to grow the brand within current sectors as well as new sectors. By combining key elements, we can focus on customer growth, solving cleaning problems with the right products and the right placements.

“Robert Scott is a very successful and respected business with a diverse product portfolio. I’m excited to have the opportunity to drive new sales with the established sales team that combines over 100 years of knowledge and expertise.”

Alastair Scott, sales director at Robert Scott, added: “Gareth joins the business at an exciting time. In our centenary year, we continue to make considerable investment in innovation to bring new products to market that will help businesses clean efficiently and effectively in ways that are better for the environment.

“We are focused on introducing more reusable and recyclable products, while ensuring that the ways in which we source and manufacture these products have positive sustainability gains too. Alongside that, we have an increased offering in robotics which i an area where we can proactively support businesses which are seeking smarter, more efficient ways of working.

“I am certain that Gareth’s long experience and deep knowledge of the cleaning industry, both in the UK and internationally will be a fantastic asset for the business to lead the sales team as we look to expand our ranges to support customers.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank outgoing Head of Sales Gill Courtney, who will be retiring in March next year after over 30 years of excellent service at Robert Scott. Gill has done so much for the business over the years, and her customer-first approach has been instrumental in shaping the strong relationships we have today.”

 

Compass Group UK & Ireland Executive Team Expanded

 

The UK’s largest food and support services provider, Compass Group UK & Ireland has strengthened its UK & I Executive team, with new appointments and roles, reflecting the company’s growth ambitions and focus on client delivery. 

Following on from the appointments of Sophie Smith, Chief People Officer and Michelle Sanders, Chief Growth Officer earlier this year, the business has now appointed a new Chief Technology Officer to the UK & I Executive Team.

 

David Turner, Chief Technology Officer

 

David will lead the company’s digital transformation across technology, data, and cybersecurity.

He joins from Virgin Active where he was Group CTO. With close to 30 years of experience, David has held senior roles across healthcare, retail, leisure, and financial services. Notably, he was CTO for NHS England during the pandemic, where he worked alongside teams to deliver the NHS COVID-19 app and national vaccination systems. Prior to that he was Group CTO at William Hill, leading major cloud and agile transformation programmes.

 

Charlie Brown, Executive Director, Strategic Accounts

 

Having successfully headed up the education business for the past six years Charlie Brown, the previous CEO of Education, is moving to a new role as Executive Director, Strategic Accounts.  He will oversee a newly created team dedicated to supporting clients. The team will work to deepen relationships, drive innovation, with a focus on delivering exceptional service and value.

 

Karl Atkins, CEO, Education

 

Karl Atkins has been appointed as CEO of Compass Group UK & Ireland’s Education business. Karl previously headed up Foodbuy Group for the past 6 years, where he transformed the business, accelerating the growth of the Group Purchasing Organisation (GPO) and building a resilient supply chain. This expertise, along with his personal passion for nutrition and education, will enable Karl to hit the ground running, providing valuable insights and support to education clients. Karl will be responsible for Chartwells, Chartwells Higher Education, Lodestone House and Pabulum.

 

Gareth Sharpe, CFO, Compass Group UK & Ireland and CEO, Foodbuy Group

 

Gareth Sharpe, CFO, Compass Group UK & Ireland, will also be taking on the additional responsibility of overseeing Foodbuy Group. Gareth already has a deep knowledge of Foodbuy’s operations. He will continue to drive Foodbuy’s purchasing power of over £2bn across 70 categories.

Robin Mills, CEO, Compass Group UK & Ireland commented: “I would like to welcome David to the team, as technology continues to shape the foodservice industry, this is a great time for David to come onboard, and I have no doubt he will be a great asset to our business.

“Our business is going through a significant period of growth and it’s essential our Executive Team has the right depth and expertise, as we continue to evolve and innovate.  By strengthening our leadership, we’re ensuring we stay ahead of industry trends and continue to provide outstanding service and value for our clients and customers. I’m excited for what we can achieve together in this next chapter.”

 

Mitie Appoints Sam White as Managing Director of Technical Services

 

Mitie, the UK’s leading facilities management and transformation company, has appointed Sam White as its new Managing Director of Technical Services. Sam will assume his new role on 1 December 2025 and take a seat on Mitie’s Group Executive. 

Sam brings over 25 years’ experience in complex engineering and technical environments, including senior executive roles at Babcock International and BAE Systems. Sam’s most recent role was Managing Director, Natural Resources, for Costain, a UK-based company that provides engineering, consulting, and digital services to create sustainable infrastructure. 

Sam is a graduate of the Harvard Business School Advanced Management Programme, holds an MBA from the University of Strathclyde, and a BSc in Business from the University of Wales. He is also a qualified executive coach from Henley Business School and a passionate advocate for inclusion, diversity, and social mobility. 

Sam will oversee the Technical Services business which is the UK’s largest provider of engineering assets to both the public and private sectors. 

Mitie’s 16,000 Technical Services colleagues deliver a range of engineering services to 350 contracts ranging from defence and critical national infrastructure, to healthcare and education, to retail and transport. Major customers include Heathrow, BAE, Vodafone, Ministry of Defence, National Grid, NATS, BMW, NHS, and GSK. Sam’s leadership will be instrumental in cementing Mitie as the UK’s leading Engineering Maintenance business, delivering best-in-class engineering solutions in the Built Environment.  

 

Other Recent New Appointments:

 

• Savills Appoints Terri Mattison as Director
• Susanne Eickermann-Riepe Named RICS Senior Vice President for 2026

 

Picture: a graphic showing a person kneeling on an office chair holding a briefcase, using a handheld telescope to look into the distance. Image Credit: Adobe Stock

Article written by Ella Tansley | Published 28 October 2025

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