Dave Smith; MD Construction

Dave Smith joined Wates in 1985 and drove the geographical expansion programme that resulted in the opening of the Leeds and Manchester offices.

Back in London he became divisional manager of Special Works, followed by joint managing director of Wates in London, before becoming Managing Director of Construction and Chief Operating Officer on Wates’ Executive Committee.

Ian Vickers; Director of Northern Home Counties

In a career spanning 30 years Ian has delivered several prestigious projects in both the public and private sectors, working with blue chip customers including GlaxoSmithKline, Land Securities and Cambridge and Oxford Universities.

Ian has been involved with the Whitehall and Industry Group (an initiative designed to share best practice and faster understanding between the public and private sectors) and has served as a member of the Construction Research and Innovation Strategic Panel (CRISP).

John Shannon; Director of North West

John Shannon has been the Business Unit Director for the Wates North West Construction business since 2002.

Overseeing a team of 50, John's leadership and strategic focus upon public sector customers in education and heritage has provided the platform to deliver around £50m of business in the region over the last two years.  Projects successfully delivered by his team include the North Liverpool Academy, John Moore’s University Design Academy, Oakwood High School, Daresbury Science Park and the award winning restoration of Murrays' Mills.

Prior to joining Wates, John progressed throughout a number of managerial roles within the construction industry, spending 20 years working for another national contractor. John has augmented his leadership expertise by successfully undertaking an MBA diploma at Henley Management College. 

Phil Harrison; Wates Construction Managing Director - Midlands and North

Phil Harrison is the Managing Director of Wates Construction’s Midlands and North business.  With a turnover of around £160 million and over 180 regional based staff, Phil’s brings over 20 years experience to Wates and has a remit to develop the northern business via growth in frameworks and existing customer relationships. He spends his time between the region's three offices in Stockport; Leeds and Birmingham. Phil has a combination of both practical, hands on and academic experience, and brings a wealth of technical knowledge and experience to clients – which include the Bridlington Spa and the Headrow in Leeds.

Andy Wall; Director of London and Kent

Andy joined Wates in 1988, working on landmark projects such as the refurbishment of the Foreign Office in London. Focusing mainly on private sector work, Andy became commercial manager for the new build division and in 2005 was appointed commercial director for Wates Construction. In October 2007 Andy was promoted to Business Unit Director with responsibilities for Wates Construction’s £135m London construction business.

Richard Girdlestone; Director of Home Counties and Southern

Richard has worked for Wates Construction since 1979. As Director of Construction with national accountability, Richard is an active member of the Wates ExCo Board of Directors advising on all aspects of construction including planning and project management.