Collen has established a new Executive Management Team consisting of eight executives who will oversee the strategic direction of the business to facilitate growth both in Ireland and internationally.

Last June, Collen appointed its first ever CEO, Kara Stuart, who will lead the new executive management team. The business has experienced year-on-year growth for several years and in 2023, Collen recorded a significant increase in turnover from €450 million to €650 million.

The business will focus on a number of strategic priorities including its work with Data Centre Service Providers and the energy sector, both of which are forecast as growth markets. Expansion of its Irish operations will continue, building on their substantial and diverse projects across the country. Further growth is expected in the Nordics region where Collen has operations in several Scandinavian countries.

A key element of the firm’s strategy will be its continued expansion in Ireland where it works with clients across a diverse range of sectors including commercial, fit out, data centres, power infrastructure, life sciences, industrial, residential, healthcare and education. Its operations in Ireland will be spearheaded by its recently appointed Managing Director for Ireland and the UK, Derek O’Connor.

The new executive management team consists of their CEO Kara Stuart, Leslie FitzPatrick (Chief Financial Officer), Gráinne Dowling (Chief People Officer) Padraic Regan (Group Commercial Director), Declan Callan (Director of Legal and Compliance), David Barron (Technical Director), Thomas O’Connor (Managing Director, Sweden) and Derek O’ Connor (Managing Director, Ireland & UK)

Kara Stuart, CEO of Collen said “The establishment of our Executive Management Team marks an exciting new chapter in the rich history of Collen. We plan to continue to build upon our substantial growth to date by focussing on key areas including our work with Data Centre Service Providers and in the energy sector. While we have experienced significant growth in international markets, we believe our operations in the Irish market will be a key growth area and a strategic priority for our business. I believe our new Executive Management Team strengthens the executive structure to better support levels of growth and the business will benefit significantly from their expertise and experience.

The business has been in the Collen family for eight generations and over 210 years. During that time it has completed a number of iconic projects including the RDS, Croke Park, Fitzwilton House, Dublin Port and Inishthrahull Lighthouse. In more recent times, Collen’s projects include The Freight Building/Premier Inn, 1 & 2 South County Leopardstown and Haymarket Smithfield.

Pictured above: Declan Callan (Director of Legal and Compliance),  Padraic Regan (Group Commercial Director), Gráinne Dowling (Chief People Officer), Leslie Fitzpatrick (Chief Financial Officer), Kara Stuart (CEO), Derek O’Connor (Managing Director Ireland & UK), David Barron (Technical Director), Thomas O’Connor (Managing Director, Sweden). Image Credit: Robbie Reynolds

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