International construction industry expert David Lawther has been appointed Non-executive Chairman of Syntegra to help us take our business to the next level.
David, who was CEO of global construction services ISG, was attracted to join Syntegra because of the ‘excellent platform’ MD Alan King has created to provide sustainable services sought by clients.
‘Syntegra is in the right arena and can see the opportunities to grow. My role is to help Alan manage that growth and help make Syntegra an exciting place for people to develop their careers.’
David has worked in the field of build environment for more than 25 years, initially in the finance arena and the last ten years as CEO of ISG. He has experience of operating in a broad range of economic conditions.
At ISG, which he initially joined as Finance Director, he oversaw a substantial growth in the business, moving it from an organisation focused primarily on London corporate offices. He helped build up its fit-out capability in the UK in retail first and then expanding abroad in fit-out of corporate office, retail, hospitality and data centres, spreading overseas to operate in 22 countries.
They were responsible for the majority of the London Olympics overlay works and also building the velodrome for London 2012.
David successfully led the company to £1.9 billion of activity with 45% of that business conducted outside the UK.
‘The country had been moving to an arena of sustainable built environment, initially driven by a series of individuals. Then governments started taking action, before the recession held things back as short term cost became the driving equation for clients,’ explained David.
‘Post-recession we’ve seen more being driven by legislation and planning requirements. Now CEOs are starting to look at sustainable environments for their own employees. Clients are still looking for efficiencies and costs reductions but they are also looking at whole life cycle costs. Looking at low carbon solutions is much more to the fore now.
‘The evolution of technology has also made the desirable into the achievable for sustainability. For example the ability to measure real time, the use of modelling for light.
‘Syntegra is really well-positioned driving forward that agenda for clients. Measuring air quality, use of light, acoustics, energy, quality and efficiency of M/E design are all part of Syntegra’s offerings. I see this very much as a growth area – demands for these services will continue to grow.
‘I aim to help Alan build on this excellent platform. Syntegra is in the right arena and will help clients on their sustainability journey.’
Commenting on David’s appointment, Alan said: ‘We’re delighted to have someone of David’s calibre on board. It’s a privilege to work with someone with his high profile and experience in this field and his expertise of strategic accelerated growth will be invaluable as we move forward developing our business, our people and generating new opportunities.
‘Sustainability is now serious business and will become increasingly pertinent to companies as the spotlight falls on this aspect of business and daily life with more and more scrutiny and regulations.
‘We are confident that David will help us truly maximise our potential and we will confirm our position as market leaders in the sector.’
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