FMJ Facilities Management magazine providing industry-specific intelligence to FM and property professionals
David Johnson and Graham Harle
International property and construction consultancy, Gleeds, has confirmed that David Johnson, currently Chief Operating Officer, will be appointed as Chief Executive Officer, effective 6 April 2026. Johnson, who has been with Gleeds for over four decades, succeeds Graham Harle who will serve as Non-Executive Director and retain his position on the Gleeds Group Board.
Brian McArdle, UK Managing Director, will step into the role of Chief Operating Officer, while Andy Ellis, currently Global Head of Energy, will replace McArdle as UK Managing Director.
In addition to these changes, Gleeds is also establishing a new Management Board to support the organisation’s next phase of growth. New members joining the previously named Operations Board 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.
Gleeds says these latest leadership changes are designed to sharpen the company’s focus on growth in key markets. With demand rising in sectors such as data centres, energy, infrastructure and defence, Gleeds is evolving its structure to ensure agility, continuity, and global alignment.
Richard Steer, Chair of Gleeds Worldwide said: “Having recently celebrated 150 years in business, Gleeds is entering a new chapter. 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.”
Incoming CEO, David Johnson added: “The strength of Gleeds has always been matching expertise with opportunity. I look forward to unifying our global business, focusing on growth in our strongest markets, and delivering exceptional outcomes for our clients. Together with the new Management Board, we are ready to build on Gleeds’ proud legacy.”
FMJ and Watco Webinar: Meeting compliance in a new culture of accountability
From January 2026, the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) formally separated from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Created under the Building Safety Act 2022 in response to the Grenfell Tower tragedy, the BSR is designed to raise safety standards across the built environment and introduce a stronger culture of accountability, transparency, and proactive risk management.
This shift places facilities managers in a more strategic safety assurance role – far beyond routine maintenance.
FMJ and Watco are hosting a webinar on 22 April at 11:00am to explore what this new regulatory landscape means for FMs. To register for the webinar click here.
Can’t make it no problem…
Simply register above and after the webinar has been broadcast, we will send you a link to watch the recording.
