Property people: GMI Construction Group

GMI Construction Group has appointed two directors following a period of sustained growth.

Commercial manager Joe McDermott is promoted to commercial director Yorkshire, while David Perks takes up the newly-created role of director of safety, health, and environment (SHE).

McDermott joined GMI from Wates Group, initially as a senior quantity surveyor, and since his arrival at the Leeds office two years ago, he has been involved in a number of challenging and complex projects.

CEO Lee Powell said: “His promotion to director level is totally deserved. Joe has played an integral part in the successful delivery of several high-profile Yorkshire projects.

“It’s those can-do GMI values and his commercial acumen that prompted his promotion. I have no doubt he will be an asset as we continue to sustainably grow the business across the Yorkshire region.”

Perks, with over 40 years’ experience in the construction industry and more than  30 as a chartered health and safety professional, joined GMI in 2021 as head of SHE, having previously worked with a range of tier one contractors.

He has already made great strides in his new director role establishing a new team and developing a rigorous approach to health and safety, with the sole objective of ensuring GMI’s sites continue to remain safe across its Yorkshire, North West, North East and Midlands divisions.

Powell added: “David has a wealth of health and safety experience and a great track record of delivery – which is why we recruited him to our Board, to ensure it remains our number one priority.”

McDermott said: “I’m pleased to have been appointed commercial director for Yorkshire, and I look forward to supporting GMI to achieve its growth aspirations in this region.”

Perks said: “By creating this role, GMI has ensured SHE remains an issue that is front and centre at Board level, and I’m excited to ensure it remains a priority throughout the business – as the safety of our people and our customers is paramount.”