Cundall appoints managing partner

Newcastle-headquartered global engineering consultancy Cundall has appointed Kevin Hayes as managing partner, succeeding Carole O’Neil following the completion of her four-year term.

Kevin, a building services engineering specialist, has been with Cundall for almost 30 years and has served as a partner for the past 15. 

Most recently, he led the firm’s London office and has been a member of its management board for the last decade.

Kevin’s appointment comes as Cundall celebrates its 50th anniversary and continues its international expansion, having grown to 1300 employees and opened new offices across Saudi Arabia, Germany, India, the Philippines and Malaysia in the past four years.

He has also led the firm’s global corporate real estate sector, working with international clients to deliver integrated engineering solutions across major workplace projects.

Kevin said: “I would like to thank Carole for a very important term as managing partner. 

“She has seen the practice grow to 1300 people and opened offices in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Germany, India, Philippines and Malaysia. 

“Most importantly she introduced and has driven a strategy for Cundall that has helped the practice prepare for the next phase of our development. 

“We are very grateful for, and proud of, Carole's tenure as managing partner and wish her every success in the future.

“Over the next four years, I will be building on the existing strategy with a particular focus on our markets, our clients, and our technical excellence. 

“I will ensure that we continue to advance our thinking and extend our global footprint, both in terms of client and locations, but also provide amazing opportunities for our employees.

“I am enthusiastic about collaborating with people, supporting and nurturing talent, and passionate about inclusive leadership which allows everyone to have a voice.

“I am incredibly proud of what we have collectively achieved over the past 50 years, and the future of Cundall must be about progression. 

“We need to be courageous in defining Cundall as a truly independent global engineering consultancy that has ambition and a willingness to succeed.” 

Carole O’Neil, Cundall’s outgoing managing partner, added: “Cundall's success has always been built on the strength of our people, our culture and our commitment to delivering exceptional outcomes for our clients.

“Everything I've done during my time with the Practice has been driven by a desire to help build a business where exceptional people can build exceptional careers – where they are stretched, supported and inspired, and where the work they do genuinely matters.

“I've lived this myself, and I've learned so much over the last two decades.

“As I hand over leadership of this culture to Kevin, I'm grateful for the support, guidance and friendship of the people who have helped to shape this chapter of my career.”

Tomas Neeson, Cundall’s chairman, added: “As we look ahead, this transition reflects both the maturity of our business and the strength of our people. 

“Kevin’s journey within Cundall has been a testament to his leadership, commitment and deep understanding of our values, making him a natural choice to lead the practice forward. 

“Having built this business together over many years, our Partners share a strong foundation of trust and collaboration that will continue to support our future success. 

“I am excited to support Kevin and the wider partnership as Cundall embarks on its next stage of growth.”

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