International property and construction consultancy, Gleeds has appointed Ian Farndon as vice president based in Houston, Texas.
Farndon will primarily be responsible for driving growth in the burgeoning data centre sector, as well as increasing the size of the team on the ground.
He joins the business from Turner & Townsend, where he held the position of cost centre commercial lead responsible for all commercial activity originating from its Houston office.
Farndon has spent the past six years developing an in-depth understanding of the US market and brings with him over 35 years’ experience in the global built environment, having worked in the UK, mainland Europe, and the Middle East over the course of his career.
In his new role, Farndon will focus on boosting activity in the data centre sector throughout Gleeds Americas and beyond, applying the knowledge he has accrued while working with some of the largest tech clients in the world over the last decade.
As a commercial management specialist, he will also be tasked with ensuring the team continues to deliver first-rate service to clients, bringing on board new talent to manage its growing project portfolio.
Stuart Lumsden, US chief executive, said: “The hyperscale data centre market is rapidly expanding, and Gleeds is well-positioned to capitalise on this growth. Ian’s appointment adds leadership and resilience to our team, supporting the continued development of this dynamic sector.
“By hiring someone with his commercial expertise and experience in managing large teams, we’re illustrating our commitment to serving the evolving needs of big business here and further afield as they invest in digital infrastructure. I’m thrilled to be welcoming him on board.”
Farndon said: “Gleeds’ proven track record in delivering complex data centre programmes for high-profile clients and ambition to build on that success was a huge draw for me.
“The prevalence of hyperscale data centres is only going to continue to increase as requirements surge, and I look forward to helping Gleeds cement its presence in this sector while growing the team here in my home town of Houston.”
Main image: Ian Farndon, vice president, Gleeds US
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