Mark Rawstron, head of Bilfinger GVA’s Manchester office, is to retire at the end of the year.
He will be replaced by Chris Cheap, who is currently head of GVA’s Manchester office agency. Rawstron joined the company more than 30 years ago when it was called Grimley & Son.
During that time, he has seen the office grow to 185 staff, making it GVA’s third largest office in the UK, after London and Birmingham.
Major deals he has overseen include Argent’s sale of One St Peter’s Square to Deka Immobilien for £164m in August. He said he is retiring for personal reasons but will consider non-executive roles if approached.
Reflecting on his long career in Manchester, he said: “This city and region is unique, its political and civic infrastructure and its public- private sector approach to business and regeneration has been an exemplar.”
Incoming head of office Cheap said: “This is a hugely exciting time to be leading the Manchester office. Our current proposition presents a really fantastic opportunity to grow.
“The combination of investment from our new owners EQT and our growing regional, national and European platform will help us strengthen and expand our capabilities here in the North West.”
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