From 4 January we will implement changes to our leadership and organisation.
The new structure will allow VGC to take advantage of changes in the industry. It will position us for success in 2021 and beyond.
From 4 January 2021, Laurence Mckidd (managing director since 2010) will be our chief executive officer. He will lead the development and implementation of the VGC strategy, and work with the teams to make sure we achieve our goals.
He will be supported by Ciara Pryce, who will become our chief operating officer. She will work with all management teams on strategy and process. With her human resources background, she will ensure people remain at the centre of our approach.
Sean Fitzpatrick remains as chairman, to guide the team through the next stage of the company’s development.
Chris Ryan and Jacques Kriel will lead the two arms of VGC that provide people and deliver projects. Chris Ryan will become the managing director of VGC Labour Solutions, which provides trades and labour, and Jacques Kriel the managing director of VGC Projects. They will be responsible for overall strategy, operations, delivery and success within these areas. They will work closely with Stephen Burns (formerly business development director) who will become client engagement director. He will lead customer success teams.
VGC Personnel, our successful professional and technical staff division headed by Matt Teasdale, remains unchanged.
Chairman Sean Fitzpatrick said: “Although 2020 has been one of the most challenging years on record, the VGC team has successfully adapted to new ways of working, supporting our clients to remain open for business.
“We could do this because we are well-run, well-financed and have an excellent team. We are working even more closely together than before, despite being physically further apart.
“Our new structure will improve our business effectiveness. By supporting VGC’s ongoing growth, it will help us deliver increasing value to our clients, with a continued focus on legacy as well as efficiency.”
Sector specialists
The changes follow an intensive review of the organisation and the construction industry. While some staff will have new reporting lines, there will be no reduction in headcount – this is part of our continuing expansion.
VGC Labour Solutions will be restructured to focus on sector-based markets (civils, rail, power and HS2). The new structure is complemented by internal promotions. Steve Kenny becomes delivery director, leading the civil engineering and HS2 north section, and Chris O’Sullivan is head of delivery for the equivalent southern team. Richard Palin, formerly northern director, will be delivery director for a new process and power division, which will focus on supporting the green energy markets.
We have recruited a new head of delivery for rail, who will start in January.
Laurence Mckidd said: “Our new structure will support our growth plans for 2021 and beyond.
“Under the leadership of Chris Ryan and Jacques Kriel, the new agile business units will ensure enhanced consistent customer service levels on projects right across the UK.
“Every client will continue to receive the full VGC service of delivering against our promises, achieving our potential and looking after each other.”
Photograph top (L to R): Sean Fitzpatrick, Jacques Kriel, Ciara Pryce, Chris Ryan, Laurence Mckidd.
Note: all the photographs on this page were taken before COVID-19.
See the our team page for photographs of the members of the executive team
