Matthew Kennedy; Regional Managing Director

Matthew started his career, in the London Docklands with one of his earliest project management challenges being the delivery of one of the first UK high rise commercial developments – Harbour Exchange.

Then in 1989, Matthew joined the Wates Group, where he was key in establishing the Design & Build business, today a core part of the Wates offer. Matthew moved through a number of major operational roles across the country, delivering successfully projects for clients in both the private and public sector.

In 2000, Matthew on behalf of Wates, led the start up of a US web based project management business, Bidcom. On returning from the US, Matthew moved to the Midlands as Regional Director, where he successfully nurtured the relationship with Birmingham City Council, which today is recognised as one of the most successful collaborative partnerships, having delivered over 3bn AED of projects ranging from the restoration of Birmingham Town Hall to public elderly care facilities. 

Matthew drove the development of the expansion of Wates into Scotland and subsequently in 2006 was made MD of Midlands and the North. During this period he has overseen the delivery of 10 primary schools, 14 schools, 5 colleges and 3 universities in addition to commercial offices, prisons, mixed use projects, tripling the size of the business.

Matthew’s background is in construction engineering and project management.  Operational excellence is a particular passion for Matthew and he spear headed the Operation Excellence Programme for the Wates Group.