In recent industry moves, significant position changes have been announced across various construction firms, indicating a shift in leadership.
- James Griffin, once an apprentice bricklayer, has been appointed group construction director at a leading homebuilder.
- Nigel Brook, with 48 years in the industry, is retiring from his executive role at Robertson Construction Group.
- WSP strengthens its leadership with strategic appointments of Astrid Berkman, Kirsten Oliver, and Fiona O’Donnell.
- Victor Olowe takes on a key regulatory position at RICS, enhancing the focus on quality assurance.
In a notable appointment, James Griffin, whose career began as an apprentice bricklayer in 1999, has been named the new group construction director at a prominent homebuilding firm. Having amassed substantial expertise over 17 years at the National House Building Council, culminating in a regional director role, Griffin is well-positioned to oversee quality and construction practices.
The industry also bids farewell to Nigel Brook, an esteemed executive operations director at Robertson Construction Group, as he steps down following a notable 48-year tenure in construction. Brook’s extensive career included significant roles at Kier Group, where he served both as executive director and managing director for the north, thus contributing to major operational leadership.
WSP has reinforced its strategic vision through the addition of three leaders: Astrid Berkman, Kirsten Oliver, and Fiona O’Donnell. Berkman joins as executive managing director for planning and advisory, leveraging her decade of experience at Arcadis in the rail sector. Oliver assumes the role of managing director for energy, bringing insights from her time at Worley in both conventional and offshore sectors. O’Donnell, now head of health, safety, environment, and quality, hails from Jacobs and is tasked with advancing WSP’s health and safety strategies from Ireland.
At the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, Victor Olowe assumes the chairmanship of the new Valuation Assurance Committee. This subcommittee of the RICS Standards and Regulation Board is critical for overseeing the regulatory quality assurance framework for RICS registered valuers. SRB Chair Nigel Clarke expressed confidence in Olowe, noting his capability to lead crucial oversight tasks effectively.
Further changes are observed with Paul Lyons transitioning from his role at the Construction Equipment Association to pursue opportunities as an independent consultant. Meanwhile, at the Stone Federation, Adrian Attwood steps in as president, bringing over 30 years of experience in historic building conservation to the role.
These leadership changes underscore the dynamic nature of career progression within the construction industry, highlighting both experience and strategic vision.
