Capita Symonds restructures operations

Consultant Capita Symonds has announced a reorganisation of its operating divisions and changes to its executive board. The company said it will restructure its four divisions into three with immediate effect.

Capita Symonds has over 4,500 UK and international staff across over 60 offices. Managing director Jonathan Goring described the move as: “the next exciting cycle of investment in our business”.

The new divisions are:

• Design & Infrastructure, managed by executive director John Southgate

The new division will merge two separate divisions, bringing Capita’s architecture, M&E and structures teams together with its regeneration, development, industrial, energy, environment, technology, civil engineering and transport specialists.

• Real Estate, managed by executive director Mark Norris

This division amalgamates the company’s previous management division, which covered services such as project management and cost management, with the company’s recent acquisition NB Real Estate to launch an integrated business into the UK and international real estate markets.

• Regions, managed by executive director Dave Spencer

Encompassing the firm’s local authority partnerships and health estate expertise, the division will target public sector outsourcing and deficit-reduction opportunities.

Following eight acquisitions in the last three years, the consultant will also move all its business units under the Capita Symonds brand. This will see recent acquisitions Andrew Martin Associates, Lovejoy, Inventures, MMB Associates, Multi-tech and NB Real Estate -  as well as architecture business Capita Architecture - adopt the Capita Symonds brand by the end of 2010.

Goring said: “These changes signal our intention to run bigger programmes, become leaders in all of our niche - and many of our core – disciplines.

“Our clearer operational structure will position us for the next exciting cycle of investment in our business and ensure that we have the strong leadership, identity and direction to make the most of the unique challenges and opportunities that the market presents.”

The firm also announced changes to its executive board. Graham Cowley, previously chief operating officer in the regions division, is now chief operating officer for Capita Symonds responsible for the overall operational performance of the business.

Former chief operating officer of professional services Andrew Murray is appointed as group business development director, taking overall responsibility for acquisitions, commercial management, and strategic business development.

Chris Green, previously executive director of management north is now commercial director for Capita Symonds.

Chris Nelhams retains his role as business development director, responsible for developing strategic relationships and key market sectors.