Collen Creates New Ireland/UK and Europe Business Units with Senior Leadership Appointments
18 June 2026 | editor@breakingground.news
Strategic reorganisation sees Derek O’Connor and Peter Hoey appointed Managing Directors as contractor expands across Ireland, the UK and mainland Europe
International construction company Collen has announced a significant restructuring of its leadership team with the creation of dedicated Ireland/UK and Europe business units and the appointment of two new Business Unit Managing Directors.
The move forms part of a wider organisational reorganisation aimed at supporting the company’s continued growth across its core markets and strengthening its capacity to deliver projects across an expanding international portfolio.
Under the new structure, Derek O’Connor has been appointed Business Unit Managing Director for Ireland and the UK. He will be responsible for leading Collen’s operations and growth strategy across its home markets, with a focus on diversification into new sectors and expanding the company’s market presence.
Peter Hoey has been appointed Business Unit Managing Director for Europe, taking responsibility for Collen’s mainland European operations. His remit includes overseeing geographic expansion, client development and project delivery across a growing number of European markets.
According to Collen, the transition from a regional structure to dedicated business units is designed to provide greater strategic focus, improve operational alignment and support sustainable long-term growth.
The leadership changes are part of a broader strengthening of the company’s senior management team.
Ger Kelly has been appointed Construction Director – Operations, Europe, where he will work with country leadership teams to support project delivery, safety performance, quality assurance and operational consistency across European projects.
Collen has also created a new executive role, appointing David Barron as Chief Technical and Innovation Officer. He will lead the company’s technical, digital and innovation agenda, including the adoption of emerging technologies and the advancement of digital delivery capabilities.
In Sweden, Bruce Greig has been promoted to Commercial Director, Sweden, recognising his contribution to one of Collen’s most active European regions and supporting future growth opportunities across Scandinavia and other emerging markets.
Mark McGreevy, Chief Executive Officer of Collen, said the appointments come at an important stage in the company’s development.
“The establishment of dedicated Ireland/UK and Europe business units is an important step in the continued evolution of Collen. As our business grows in scale and geographic reach, this structure strengthens our ability to support clients, develop our people and pursue new opportunities across our markets.”
He added that the wider leadership appointments would strengthen the company’s capabilities across operations, technical delivery and innovation.
“These appointments strengthen our leadership team at an important stage in Collen’s growth. By establishing dedicated Ireland/UK and mainland Europe business units and enhancing our technical, commercial and innovation capabilities, we are creating the structure and expertise needed to support our clients, our people and our long-term ambitions across all our markets.”
Founded in Ireland, Collen has expanded significantly in recent years, particularly within the data centre, life sciences, advanced manufacturing and commercial construction sectors. The company now operates across multiple European jurisdictions while continuing to grow its presence in Ireland and the UK.
The latest appointments take immediate effect and form part of Collen’s ongoing strategy to strengthen organisational capability, enhance project delivery and support continued expansion across the international construction markets in which it operates.
