Infrastructure firms dominated the job moves this week, as firms readied themselves for activity picking up in 2025.
The biggest announcement came from Mace, which was the latest tier one contractor to make changes in the C-suite. It surprised the sector by revealing that the head of its construction arm, Andrew Jackson, had stepped down after just three months in the role. Jackson was promoted in the summer as part of a major executive reshuffle, replacing chief executive Gareth Lewis. Deputy chief executive Jason Millett, who also heads Mace Consult, will take over Jackson’s role in the interim while Mace appoints a permanent replacement. Mark Reynolds, Mace’s group chairman and chief executive, said of Jackson: “He has made a hugely positive impact on our teams, has made a significant contribution to our construction business and leaves a real legacy. We wish him well in the future.”
Get Kennedy
Robertson Construction has announced a new managing director. Neil Kennedy will lead the firm’s North East arm from Gateshead, having been with the firm for 15 years. Kennedy, who started out as a quantity surveyor, will oversee preconstruction, construction and aftercare on all projects. His promotion comes following the retirement of Garry Hope, who had been the MD of Robertson Construction North East since 2016. Brian McQuade, chief operating officer at Robertson Group, said: “To follow Garry, who was so well known and respected by colleagues and the industry alike, is no mean feat but I know that Neil is absolutely the right person for the role.”
Making tracks
The current managing director of the Skanska Costain Strabag joint venture is getting on board the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU). James Richardson is its new managing director and will lead the multibillion-pound railway electrification scheme. This summer, TRU awarded contracts worth around £3bn for its East and West alliances, responsible for upgrades between Leeds-York and Manchester-Leeds respectively. He is currently MD of the Skanska Costain Strabag JV delivering the HS2 London tunnels.
It’s a wonderful life
Construction law specialist James Stewart will be the new managing partner for real estate at Howard Kennedy. The promotion comes after nearly 19 years with the firm in a career specialising in construction, development and development finance.
On the way to the forum
Infrastructure support firm Altrad has been celebrating the appointment of learning and competence manager Mark Poole as a national training chair. He will lead the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board’s (ECITB’s) regional forum for Wales and become a council member. At Altrad, he led the trial and implementation of the ECITB’s Work Ready Programme. ECITB chief executive Andrew Hockey said: “Mark’s industry experience will be invaluable in identifying and addressing skill needs in Wales and driving our work forward in the region.”
Armitt’s chair role
Sir John Armitt has had his role as chair of the National Infrastructure Commission extended by chancellor Rachel Reeves. He will stay in post until July next year – taking him up to a decade in the role. HM Treasury said: “Due to the need for strong leadership and continuity at the NIC during this period of transition, ministers have agreed to extend Sir John’s appointment for a further six months to support the NIC during this time.” It added that he would “provide the stability and expertise needed to support the government in developing the 10-year infrastructure strategy”.
