Russ Forshaw will become the first non-family member to lead MC Construction, whilst Ramboll boosts their team with the dual appointments of Jason Layfield and Jules Landy
Salford’s family-owned MC Construction has appointed the first non-family member managing director in its history in Russ Forshaw.
He succeeds David Lowe, who has become the 51-year-old company’s executive chairman.
Russ Forshaw is a well known figure in North West construction
Russ, 37, joined MC Construction in June 2017 from Manchester Central, where he was director of facilities management. Previous employment includes eight years at Shepherd Construction.
Initially, he was the head of a new facilities services division in MC Construction before being promoted to group operations director.
Russ Forshaw commented on his appointment:
“I am proud and excited to be given this opportunity to become managing director and look forward to continuing the work of my predecessors to drive positive change within our business and to see our brilliant team develop further in the years to come.
“I’m extremely grateful to Dave, Mike and Chris for placing their trust in me and for enabling me to continue the fantastic work of the Lowe and Purcell families.
“MC Construction has over half a century of history, with a proud record of successfully delivering projects for multiple clients across a variety of sectors throughout the north west. We have established a wonderful company culture, and the future is bright.”
The company was founded in 1971 by David Lowe’s father
Charlie Lowe founded the business with John Purcell, who’s sons Mike and Chris own the company along with David.
Having served as managing director for over a decade, David will continue to offer his insight and experience across the company’s workforce via the MC Academy.
David Lowe said on the appointment of Russ Forshaw: “This has been a planned succession and we know Russ is the right person to step into the managing director’s role, building on the founding families’ legacy to take the business forward.
“I have been privileged to be managing director for over 11 years and now is the right time to become executive chairman, which enables me to continue to add value to the business.
“We can assure clients that it is ‘business as usual’ and that we have a structure in place to ensure the business will continue to flourish in the future.”
Ramboll welcomes a new executive director in Jason Layfield and a head of building structures in Jules Handy
Ramboll has made double senior appointments in Jules Handy and Jason Layfield as part of growing their sustainable build offerings.
Jason Layfield, who has been with Ramboll for over two decades, has been promoted to executive director of buildings for the UK.
Jason first joined the company as an assistant engineer in 2001. He was soon selected for Ramboll’s Horizon Project, which recognises, supports, and develops its future leaders.
Since then, Jason has headed up several teams and regions, delivering on complex and challenging projects across the world in the energy, defence, marine and heritage sectors.
Evidence of Ramboll’s “continued investment” in employees
Philippa Spence, Ramboll managing director, UK said: “I’m thrilled to welcome Jason to Ramboll’s Executive team. He brings a wealth of experience, ambition, and a focus on people. I feel particularly proud of how Ramboll’s continued investment in its employees is making a genuine difference to our people’s careers and our own success.”
Jason added: “It is an exciting time to take on the leadership of our buildings division as we enter the second year of delivering on our new strategy ‘, The Partner for Sustainable Change’. Our business has put sustainability at the heart of what we do. This focus ensures our employees are empowered to deliver for our climate and society, driving innovation and creativity to deliver on sustainable goals for our clients.
“We are a growing multidisciplinary business that is recognised for our people-centric approach to co-creating the solutions needed, and I look forward to working with the building’s leadership team, including Jules, to continue the development of our business.”
Jules Handy joins Ramboll after 16 years at Atkins
Jules Handy, has been appointed as Ramboll’s head of buildings structures, bringing a strong track record in the design and delivery of buildings for public and private sector clients.
Jules has worked across a range of sectors including manufacturing and industrial, education, commercial, tourism, residential, aviation, defence, and transportation.
Driving sustainabilty, equality, diversity and inclusion
Commenting on her upcoming appointment, Jules said “I’m really excited to join Ramboll, especially given their reputation for engineering excellence and record of delivering innovative and award-winning projects.
“I look forward to supporting the team and firmly securing our position as the structural engineer of choice, delivering on the ambitious strategy with sustainability at its core.
“Furthermore, my decision to join Ramboll, a foundation owned, purpose-driven organisation with a clear commitment to climate action and ED&I, gives me an opportunity to align my career with my own core values – to make a positive impact through my work”.
