Developing new ways of working is becoming a top priority for the construction industry – as is having the right people in place to do it.
Firms this week have revealed hiring decisions that will help them adopt new technology and meet demands on emissions to hit net zero.
Permasteelisa get their skates on
Anna Foden
The collapse of ISG has brought previously unavailable talent into the recruiting market, and facade specialist Permasteelisa Group has moved quickly to make a big appointment.
Anna Foden is joining as its first-ever head of sustainability – a role she previously held at ISG. She will report directly to group innovation director Kim Palmen-Koop and will work on carbon reduction, the circular economy and supply chain sustainability.
A former professional figure skater, Foden began her rise in the construction industry at the Clark Construction Group in 2004. Prior to joining ISG in 2019, she was a sustainability assessor at Max Fordham where she started in 2012.
In the frame
Graham Mackie
Offsite manufacturing specialist Saint-Gobain has appointed Graham Mackie as its new technical director.
He is moving from Donaldson Timber Systems where he spent two years as its head of technical systems. Mackie has spent more than 20 years in the timber frame industry.
He said: “As we prepare for the introduction of the Future Homes Standard in 2025, housebuilders and developers alike are seeking sound advice. Our role is to provide expert technical guidance on incorporating high-performing materials into the building’s structure.”
World service
Engineering consultancy Rendel Ltd has announced the appointment of Paul Sanders as its new infrastructure business unit director.
Sanders was previously the UK director at COWI for eight years and spent 22 years with the firm. His project experience includes Mersey Gateway Bridge and High Speed 2 in the UK.
Rendel managing director Vardy Jones said: “We are now engaged on large projects across all our target markets, including the UK, Australia, Canada, Europe and Africa, with more in the pipeline. This growth has driven the requirement for a dedicated director.”
Fresh air at the gasworks
Russ Macmillan
The complex and nationally important restoration at the Houses of Parliament has a new chief executive to run its delivery authority.
The appointment of Russ MacMillan was announced by Parliament to lead restoration and related works at the Palace of Westminster.
MacMillan will lead the team of architects, engineers, project managers and specialist contractors on the £22bn project.
He is currently director for rail infrastructure North and West at the Department for Transport. He has responsibility for a £20bn portfolio of capital investment across Wales and the North and West of England.
Mike Brown, chair of the delivery authority, said: “Our focus is on progressing plans for early works and continuing building surveys and investigations to increase further our understanding of the Palace.”
