Recent appointments highlight the construction sector’s commitment to innovation and sustainability, amid the industry’s pursuit of net-zero emissions.
- Anna Foden joins Permasteelisa Group as head of sustainability, leveraging her expertise to drive carbon reduction and promote a circular economy.
- Graham Mackie is appointed as technical director at Saint-Gobain, where he will guide the integration of high-performing materials for the Future Homes Standard.
- Paul Sanders takes on the role of infrastructure business unit director at Rendel Ltd, bringing extensive experience in major infrastructure projects.
- Russ MacMillan is set to lead the monumental restoration of the Houses of Parliament, overseeing a £22bn project.
Recent appointments in the construction industry underscore a deliberate pivot towards sustainability and innovative practices. Anna Foden has transitioned to Permasteelisa Group as its inaugural head of sustainability, following the collapse of ISG. At Permasteelisa, she will spearhead initiatives focusing on carbon reduction, the circular economy, and sustainable supply chain management. With a diverse background that includes a former career in professional figure skating, Foden has amassed significant industry experience, having commenced her construction journey in 2004 with Clark Construction Group and later enhancing her sustainability credentials at Max Fordham.
In a notable move, Saint-Gobain has secured the expertise of Graham Mackie as its new technical director. With over two decades of experience in the timber frame sector, Mackie previously led technical systems at Donaldson Timber Systems. His role at Saint-Gobain will be pivotal as the industry prepares for the Future Homes Standard in 2025. He emphasised the imperative for housebuilders and developers to receive technical guidance on employing high-performing materials in construction, ensuring alignment with future regulatory standards.
Rendel Ltd has announced the appointment of Paul Sanders as the director of its infrastructure business unit, capitalising on his extensive portfolio of project experience with firms like COWI, where he spent 22 years. Sanders’s expertise encompasses major projects such as the Mersey Gateway Bridge and High Speed 2. According to Rendel’s managing director, Vardy Jones, the company’s growth across diverse markets necessitates a dedicated focus on infrastructure, which Sanders’s appointment is expected to bolster.
Taking on one of the UK’s most complex restoration projects, Russ MacMillan has been appointed to lead the delivery authority for the restoration of the Houses of Parliament. This appointment involves managing a multidisciplinary team responsible for conducting comprehensive building surveys and planning early restoration works, valued at £22bn. MacMillan’s prior experience as director for rail infrastructure at the Department for Transport, where he managed a substantial investment portfolio, positions him well to oversee this historically significant project.
These strategic appointments reflect a broader industry trend towards sustainability and technical innovation, vital for meeting future demands.
