Neil Parkinson is set to lead Curtins, succeeding Rob Melling as Chief Executive in January 2025.
- Rob Melling retires after a remarkable 40-year tenure at Curtins, 20 years as CEO.
- Curtins experienced significant growth under Melling, transitioning to employee ownership and expanding to 14 locations.
- Neil Parkinson, with over 30 years at Curtins, is deemed the ideal successor to continue Curtins’ legacy.
- Rob Melling’s retirement comes at a time when Curtins is thriving with strong leadership and a stable market position.
Neil Parkinson will officially assume the role of Chief Executive of Curtins as of 1st January 2025, marking a new chapter for the consulting engineering firm. This transition follows Rob Melling’s decision to retire after an illustrious career spanning more than four decades with the company. During his tenure, Melling significantly influenced Curtins’ trajectory, guiding it to become an employee-owned entity and expanding its operational footprint across 14 office locations.
Rob Melling, who has been a central figure in Curtins since 1981, began his journey as an apprentice under the founder, Bill Curtin. Under his leadership as CEO, a position he held since 2004, the company achieved a turnover of £36 million. Melling’s contributions have been compared to those of the firm’s founder, reflecting the profound impact he has had on the business.
In reflecting on his career, Melling expressed that Curtins was not only his professional pursuit but a major part of his life, making his retirement decision timely and confident in the firm’s future. He described Curtins as being in its strongest-ever position, poised with robust leadership and a healthy market share, to continue thriving.
Neil Parkinson, set to be Melling’s successor, brings with him over 30 years of experience at Curtins, offering a deep understanding and passion for the company. Melling himself endorsed Parkinson’s leadership potential, affirming his capability in maintaining and building upon Curtins’ legacy. Parkinson’s familiarity with the company positions him as a fitting leader to navigate its forthcoming ventures.
This leadership transition at Curtins heralds a new era, promising continuity and growth.
