People On The Move

Equans Appoints From Within To Run North West Operating Unit

Leading energy, services and regeneration company Equans has appointed Steven Gregory to run its North West Operating Unit, based in Salford.

HILTI’S NORTH AMERICA MARKETING DIRECTOR MAKES MOVE TO GB AND TAKES ROLE ON NORTHERN EUROPEAN LEADERSHIP TEAM

Hilti’s North American Marketing Director Thibaud Lefebvre has begun 2023 with a move to the UK to take up senior leadership positions in the company’s GB and E1 (Northern European) regions, now sitting as GB vice president and a member of the E1 leadership team covering GB, Ireland, Finland, Sweden and Denmark.

Beginning his career with Hilti back in 2001 in his native France, Lefebvre worked in various sales roles before relocating to Spain in 2012 as a sales director for the south of Spain and Canary Islands.

He joined Hilti Canada in 2018 as sales director for the largest division in Hilti North America, going on to lead the business unit for tool services and software in 2020 as marketing director and member of the North America marketing leadership team. His responsibilities included the tool repair network, warranty and service concepts as well as Hilti’s software and internet of things (IoT) business in the region.

Lefebvre’s move to Hilti GB sees him sit alongside long-standing sales director and fellow VP Gareth Prosser.

A passionate advocate of digitisation across the industry, Lefebvre’s position will be heavily focused on modernisation for Hilti’s customers via technology.

He commented: “Productivity in construction lags behind other sectors, and has stagnated for over 20 years as a result. Construction is one of the least digitised sectors, but this means there is huge opportunity. The construction sector can make significant gains in productivity and thus profitability by embracing the advantages of new technologies, IoT and digitalisation. As an example, our customers have tried many things to manage, optimise and track small tools and equipment, but it’s still one of the biggest challenges they face today. Our research shows that each jobsite loses on average 2 days per month of productivity due to workers searching for tools, or not having the right performing tools. I strongly believe we can make construction better, and we, at Hilti, deliver productive solutions, software and services to make it so. We have what is needed to become the best productivity partner of our customers.”

Steven joined the business at the beginning of 2019 and led the new build and construction operations in the North West, before becoming the Director of core operations in the region.

His work in the region led to his promotion as Regional Director for the North West business at the end of 2022 as part of Equans’ strategy of investing in and supporting its people.

Steven said: “Equans is an excellent company to be part of, with great values, great prospects, and great people. This opportunity is testament to how the business invests in their people. I’m very excited for the challenge ahead and look forward to working closer with our people, our customers, and the communities we operate in by safely and successfully delivering on our commitments.”

John Haynes, Managing Director of Equans’ Places and Communities North region, said: “I’m delighted that Steven has been promoted to Regional Director, overseeing activity across the North West region. 2023 is an important year for Equans as we work to support our partners with their construction and decarbonisation needs, and the region is in safe hands with Steven at the helm.”