McLaren Construction beefs up leadership team
The Midlands and North-focused arm of the contractor has announced a series of senior appointments and promotions, headed by the returning Adrian Barnes.
Rejoining the business in the new role of regional strategic director, Barnes will support the business’s continued diversification across sectors. He will also enhance the region’s strategic approach to frameworks, two-stage procurement, and public sector opportunities.
Barnes has spent the last five years with Stepnell, and prior to his previous McLaren stint spent 13 years with Morgan Sindall, leaving in 2014.
Alongside this appointment, several promotions have been rubber-stamped.
Luke Arnold, who joined the business last year, has been promoted to regional director, bringing a wealth of experience and a long-standing professional relationship with managing director Gary Cramp.
The firm said Arnold’s contributions have been instrumental in the successful delivery of high-profile developments, and he will play a key role in strengthening and expanding McLaren’s presence across a diverse range of markets, leading the Midlands and North business with Cramp.
Guy Smith has been promoted to commercial director, having played a key role in strengthening client relationships and expanding the commercial portfolio; while Joel Casstles and Paul Johnson have both been named as operations directors.
McLaren Construction Midlands and North said it is now entering its next stage of growth, with a reinforced leadership team, a solid pipeline of secured work, and a growing portfolio of complex, high-quality projects across multiple sectors.
Recently completed schemes including Project Phoenix, Box Four at Manchester Airport, Omega West, Horizon 29 phase two in Derbyshire, and St Gabriel’s, a flagship PBSA scheme in Manchester.
New projects currently on site include major industrial and commercial developments for TJ Morris and Panattoni, along with the Birmingham England Temple and the landmark redevelopment of Wrexham AFC’s Kop.
Barnes said: “I’m excited to join rejoin McLaren Construction in a region that’s already performing exceptionally well, but also has huge untapped potential. My focus is to support the team in building on this foundation, bringing in opportunities through frameworks and tapping into wider public sector pipelines, while continuing to deliver the high-quality projects McLaren is known for.”
Gary Cramp, managing director of Midlands and North, said: “McLaren’s strength lies in the quality of our people and the relationships we continue to build. These appointments and promotions are more than just new titles – they represent the journey we are on as a region and the confidence we have in the future.
“We’re growing as a business, but doing so with the right structure, talent, and a clear strategy.”
Guy Smith, commercial director, McLaren Construction Midlands and North, said: “I’m proud to step into this new role at such a pivotal time for growth in the region. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working closely with a talented team, strengthening client relationships, and helping to grow a diverse and dynamic commercial portfolio. We have exceptional talent in the region, and I look forward to working alongside everyone to continue that momentum, driving further success for the region.”
Cramp added: “Guy’s promotion to commercial director is a reflection of the hard work, leadership and strategic insight he’s consistently shown across our projects and client partnerships. He has been instrumental in developing strong commercial foundations and expanding our presence in key sectors.”
