Chris Cant appointed chief executive officer

The Metnor Group has announced the promotion of Chris Cant to Group chief executive officer.

He was, for the past four years, managing director of Metnor Construction, which has a strong national reach across the UK, with a particular focus on data centres, leisure, care and assisted living and other commercial projects.

In another major internal promotion, Charlie Sander steps up from marketing and business development manager of Metnor Construction to Group marketing manager.

The Metnor Group comprises of three trading divisions operating in the construction, mechanical and electrical services and pressure testing sectors.

It was formed in the 1960s, to support the heavy engineering industries in the North East. Today, it operates primarily in the building and construction sectors. Turnover in 2019 is expected to be in excess of £100 million with secured work already for 2020.

The appointment of Chris Cant to CEO follows the retirement of former Group CEO, Keith Atkinson.

Chris, said: “Being appointed CEO of the Metnor Group by the chairman of the business, Stephen Rankin, is an extremely proud moment for me.

“My time at Metnor is one of personal progression and a drive to achieve. In 2004, I joined Metnor Construction as a commercial manager, progressing to commercial director before my appointment as managing director four years ago.

“I had a clear vision for the future direction of the business. I wanted to build upon the solid foundations already established over the years, such as completing our projects on time, within budget and to an exceptional quality in a non-adversarial manner. Allied to this, I also wanted to capitalise on the financial support and ambition for the business that Stephen Rankin shared with us.

“I needed to improve our internal brand and then ensure our existing and new, external customers, bought into our vision.

“During my time as managing director of Mentor Construction, we witnessed unprecedented levels of growth. To build on this the business needs to be flexible, adaptable and constantly reviewing its infrastructure. To manage that process you need great people and I’m exceptionally proud that we have attracted and retained what, in my opinion, are the region’s best staff.

“With my appointment to Group CEO my aim now is to create a similar framework within the other divisions, whilst allowing them to remain bespoke and true to their individual identities.”

Newly appointed Group marketing manager, Charlie Sander, said: “I have worked very closely with Chris over the last three years, having joined Metnor Construction in 2016 to raise the profile of the company in the North East.

“The division had not previously had a marketing department, so it was a real opportunity to make a mark by showcasing the projects, great work and can-do attitude that all of our colleagues demonstrate on a daily basis.

“Chris has championed a continual improvement plan to enable colleagues to keep developing and learning. I am an example of this and I now look forward to the very interesting challenge of unifying all the divisions under the Group brand while allowing them to flourish individually.

“We have a real momentum within the teams and it is a fantastic time to be part of the Metnor Group. The North East remains our heartland and as we look to expand our presence outside of the region, we will look to take with us that famous North East work ethic by using local contractors based here in the region that we know and respect.”