Gleeds rejigs top team as firm replaces chief executive and appoints new UK boss

Gleeds is rejigging its top team with chief executive Graham Harle being replaced by chief operating officer David Johnson.

Harle has been with the business since the mid-1990s and was appointed chief executive seven years ago.

But the firm said he is stepping down into a non-executive role with Johnson, who has been at the business since 1983, taking over as chief executive on 6 April.

Gleeds said Harle will stay on the firm’s group board while Johnson’s COO role will be filled by Brian McArdle, the consultant’s UK managing director.

Andy Ellis, currently global head of energy, will replace McArdle as the firm’s UK boss.

Richard Steer, chair of Gleeds Worldwide said: “David Johnson contributes unmatched experience and a deep understanding of our organisation, and I am certain he will lead with clarity and purpose. My thanks go to Graham Harle for his outstanding leadership, which has positioned Gleeds strongly for the future.

“I am delighted that we will still have access to his wisdom and skills in his new non-executive role.”

As well as the rejig, Gleeds said it was setting up a new management board which will replace the firm’s operations board.

Among those joining it are Dean Purvis as chief growth officer, Hayley Cameron as chief business development officer, Dave Corbin as chief project delivery officer and Benjamin Whitworth as general counsel.