Our leadership

Neil Thompson joined Keltbray as Managing Director – Rail in July 2021. Neil came to Keltbray with a wealth of specific expertise and experience gained from senior roles in Network Rail and more latterly, Crossrail.

Neil’s appointment will further strengthen Keltbray’s ability to deliver the very best service to our clients.

Neil reports into Phil Price, Managing Director – Infrastructure.

Darren joined Keltbray in March 2020. Prior to his role with Keltbray, Darren worked for Costain Group PLC for over 30 years, most recently as chief operating officer. He has a wealth of experience in leading high profile programmes for both public and private sector clients, often in highly regulated environments, across the UK.

A civil engineering graduate of the University of Surrey, Darren joined Costain as an industrial placement student progressing through the organisation to the executive board.

Prior to his current role, he has held a number of senior positions with significant profit and loss responsibility, including Managing Director of the £1billion turnover infrastructure division and an executive board director for 12 years.

Darren is also a board member of The Port of London Authority and a director of the Rail Industry Association.

Vince joined Keltbray as Group Board Director in 2015, having previously spent over 30 years at Sir Robert McAlpine; most recently as a Director and Regional Manager of the firm’s London and South East business. He was appointed to the role of Chief Operating Office in November 2019.

Over the years, Vince has had personal involvement in the establishment and delivery of a number of the UK’s largest developments in both the public and private sectors. Highlights include The Jubilee Line Extension, New Colchester Garrison, Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium, London 2012 Olympic Stadium and ExCel Docklands.

Peter began his accounting career at KPMG, before moving to BDO (then Stoy Hayward) where he spent the next 28 years. During that time, he held the positions of Head of Tax and later Managing Partner of the Northern Ireland firm, where he worked on a number of large corporate finance transactions and tax assignments for both local and international groups.

While at the company, he was introduced to Keltbray and worked as an external advisor to the Group and its shareholder for 12 years before finally coming on board as Group Finance Director.

Ashley is the Chief Operating Officer of Global Switch which is the leading owner, operator and developer of large scale network dense, carrier and cloud neutral multi-tenanted data centres in Europe and Asia-Pacific. Prior to joining Global Switch, Ashley was CEO of Multiplex, a global construction business, where he was responsible for overseeing Multiplex’s UK, Middle East and Canadian portfolios. He has over 27 years of experience delivering outstanding high quality projects within the construction industry.

Ashley is also a Trustee for Chickenshed, a charity that promotes diversity and inclusion through theatre performances and a development Board member of the Willow Foundation, which provides support for seriously ill 16-40 year olds across the UK.

Phil Wilbraham has spent his career to date in major programme and project leadership, design management and civil engineering design, and he has latterly specialised in airports.  He has delivered private and public sector schemes from strategy stage, through design, to construction and operation; these schemes have all been successfully completed to tight time and financial targets.  Over the last ten years, he has demonstrated strong leadership delivering mega projects at Heathrow Airport: he led the Expansion (third runway) Programme; the Terminal 2 Programme; and was integral to the Terminal 5 Programme. He is a member of the following industry bodies and holds a number of additional non-executive positions:

• Chair of the Group Risk Committee
• Trustee of the Building Research Establishment
• Member of the Crossrail Advisory Panel
• Co-chair of Constructing Excellence
• Member of the Estates Committee at MCC (Lord’s cricket ground)
• Non-Executive Director – Epsom and St Helier NHS Trust
• Chair of BAA Pension Trustees

Having studied Engineering at Galway University, Ireland, Michael moved to London in the late eighties and has forged a successful career in the construction industry over the last 30 years, mostly specialising in reinforced concrete structures.

Spending over 25 years with Getjar Ltd, he was an integral part of the company’s growth to become recognised as a progressive, profitable business in the sector. Starting his career as a site engineer, he ascended to senior executive board positions within the Masterson Holdings group.

Michael has a particular interest in high rise concrete construction and has been involved in projects across residential, commercial, retail, leisure, education and healthcare sectors.  He has an enviable reputation for delivering industry-leading, innovative structures including Sterling prize winning Evelyn Grace Academy, Neo Bankside, Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital, The Weston Bridge for the RAA and the regeneration of Kings Cross at the Argent Development.

Darren joined Keltbray in March 2020. Prior to his role with Keltbray, Darren worked for Costain Group PLC for over 30 years, most recently as chief operating officer. He has a wealth of experience in leading high profile programmes for both public and private sector clients, often in highly regulated environments, across the UK.

A civil engineering graduate of the University of Surrey, Darren joined Costain as an industrial placement student progressing through the organisation to the executive board.

Prior to his current role, he has held a number of senior positions with significant profit and loss responsibility, including Managing Director of the £1billion turnover infrastructure division and an executive board director for 12 years.

Darren is also a board member of The Port of London Authority and a director of the Rail Industry Association.

Phill joined Keltbray in 2010, having previously held the role of Managing Director of Laing O’Rourke’s £500m Infrastructure business which undertook major projects across Utilities, Transport and Energy sectors in the UK. Phill was also a member of Laing O’Rourke’s £2.5bn European Board. He was also previously a plc Board member of Alfred McAlpine and Managing Director of the £300m Infrastructure business operating across Utility and Transport sectors.

Phill has extensive experience at project and executive levels on major collaborative and partnering projects across Energy, Transport and Utility sectors, with key roles on steering groups on major projects such as St Pancras Railway Station, Heathrow Terminal 5 and Eon Partnering Frameworks.

Brendan joined Keltbray in 1989 and has held the role of Chief Executive since 2003. Since then, Brendan has taken what was a £22 million demolition company and developed it into a £548million annual turnover Group in 2019, and has been instrumental in raising the standards of the demolition and deconstruction sector, transforming the industry’s reputation from a ‘let’s knock things down’ mentality.

Keltbray’s success has been built on Brendan’s innovation, technical leadership, commitment to health and safety and consideration for quality and the environment. His focus on customer service and tailor-made solutions has also facilitated long term relationships and a large proportion of repeat business from Keltbray clients.

He is Chairman of the Build UK Board and an Honorary Fellow of RICS.

John has over 30 years of experience within the construction industry holding roles of significant responsibility within Skanska and Keltbray Group.

John joined Keltbray in 2005 when the business had a £40 million turnover. He introduced new management controls and reporting to ensure controlled organic growth.

He has also overseen and supported the Group’s diversifications and played a key role in accessing funding for a number of Group acquisitions.

Mike joined Keltbray in September 2017 to establish the company in the overhead line sector for the UK DNO market.

He has spent most of his working life in the utility service provision sector and his previous roles include Director of Kennedy Construction Group, Managing Director of the Water and Gas division for Alfred McAlpine utility services, and Managing Director and shareholder of ENS Ltd.

Peter has more than 30 years of experience within the construction industry in roles of significant responsibility within Costain PLC and Keltbray Group.

He joined Keltbray as Commercial Director in 2003 and has seen his responsibilities grow in line with Keltbray’s turnover.

Since joining Keltbray, Peter has established commercial arrangements with complex supply chains, and helped to deliver challenging construction, materials management and rail projects for Keltbray.

Vince joined Keltbray as Group Board Director in 2015, having previously spent over 30 years at Sir Robert McAlpine; most recently as a Director and Regional Manager of the firm’s London and South East business. He was appointed to the role of Chief Operating Office in November 2019.

Over the years, Vince has had personal involvement in the establishment and delivery of a number of the UK’s largest developments in both the public and private sectors. Highlights include The Jubilee Line Extension, New Colchester Garrison, Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium, London 2012 Olympic Stadium and ExCel Docklands.

Peter began his accounting career at KPMG, before moving to BDO (then Stoy Hayward) where he spent the next 28 years. During that time, he held the positions of Head of Tax and later Managing Partner of the Northern Ireland firm, where he worked on a number of large corporate finance transactions and tax assignments for both local and international groups.

While at the company, he was introduced to Keltbray and worked as an external advisor to the Group and its shareholder for 12 years before finally coming on board as Group Finance Director.

Neil Thompson joined Keltbray as Managing Director – Rail in July 2021. Neil came to Keltbray with a wealth of specific expertise and experience gained from senior roles in Network Rail and more latterly, Crossrail.

Neil’s appointment will further strengthen Keltbray’s ability to deliver the very best service to our clients.

Neil reports into Phil Price, Managing Director – Infrastructure.

Darren joined Keltbray in March 2020. Prior to his role with Keltbray, Darren worked for Costain Group PLC for over 30 years, most recently as chief operating officer. He has a wealth of experience in leading high profile programmes for both public and private sector clients, often in highly regulated environments, across the UK.

A civil engineering graduate of the University of Surrey, Darren joined Costain as an industrial placement student progressing through the organisation to the executive board.

Prior to his current role, he has held a number of senior positions with significant profit and loss responsibility, including Managing Director of the £1billion turnover infrastructure division and an executive board director for 12 years.

Darren is also a board member of The Port of London Authority and a director of the Rail Industry Association.

Vince joined Keltbray as Group Board Director in 2015, having previously spent over 30 years at Sir Robert McAlpine; most recently as a Director and Regional Manager of the firm’s London and South East business. He was appointed to the role of Chief Operating Office in November 2019.

Over the years, Vince has had personal involvement in the establishment and delivery of a number of the UK’s largest developments in both the public and private sectors. Highlights include The Jubilee Line Extension, New Colchester Garrison, Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium, London 2012 Olympic Stadium and ExCel Docklands.

Peter began his accounting career at KPMG, before moving to BDO (then Stoy Hayward) where he spent the next 28 years. During that time, he held the positions of Head of Tax and later Managing Partner of the Northern Ireland firm, where he worked on a number of large corporate finance transactions and tax assignments for both local and international groups.

While at the company, he was introduced to Keltbray and worked as an external advisor to the Group and its shareholder for 12 years before finally coming on board as Group Finance Director.

Ashley is the Chief Operating Officer of Global Switch which is the leading owner, operator and developer of large scale network dense, carrier and cloud neutral multi-tenanted data centres in Europe and Asia-Pacific. Prior to joining Global Switch, Ashley was CEO of Multiplex, a global construction business, where he was responsible for overseeing Multiplex’s UK, Middle East and Canadian portfolios. He has over 27 years of experience delivering outstanding high quality projects within the construction industry.

Ashley is also a Trustee for Chickenshed, a charity that promotes diversity and inclusion through theatre performances and a development Board member of the Willow Foundation, which provides support for seriously ill 16-40 year olds across the UK.

Phil Wilbraham has spent his career to date in major programme and project leadership, design management and civil engineering design, and he has latterly specialised in airports.  He has delivered private and public sector schemes from strategy stage, through design, to construction and operation; these schemes have all been successfully completed to tight time and financial targets.  Over the last ten years, he has demonstrated strong leadership delivering mega projects at Heathrow Airport: he led the Expansion (third runway) Programme; the Terminal 2 Programme; and was integral to the Terminal 5 Programme. He is a member of the following industry bodies and holds a number of additional non-executive positions:

• Chair of the Group Risk Committee
• Trustee of the Building Research Establishment
• Member of the Crossrail Advisory Panel
• Co-chair of Constructing Excellence
• Member of the Estates Committee at MCC (Lord’s cricket ground)
• Non-Executive Director – Epsom and St Helier NHS Trust
• Chair of BAA Pension Trustees

Having studied Engineering at Galway University, Ireland, Michael moved to London in the late eighties and has forged a successful career in the construction industry over the last 30 years, mostly specialising in reinforced concrete structures.

Spending over 25 years with Getjar Ltd, he was an integral part of the company’s growth to become recognised as a progressive, profitable business in the sector. Starting his career as a site engineer, he ascended to senior executive board positions within the Masterson Holdings group.

Michael has a particular interest in high rise concrete construction and has been involved in projects across residential, commercial, retail, leisure, education and healthcare sectors.  He has an enviable reputation for delivering industry-leading, innovative structures including Sterling prize winning Evelyn Grace Academy, Neo Bankside, Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital, The Weston Bridge for the RAA and the regeneration of Kings Cross at the Argent Development.

Darren joined Keltbray in March 2020. Prior to his role with Keltbray, Darren worked for Costain Group PLC for over 30 years, most recently as chief operating officer. He has a wealth of experience in leading high profile programmes for both public and private sector clients, often in highly regulated environments, across the UK.

A civil engineering graduate of the University of Surrey, Darren joined Costain as an industrial placement student progressing through the organisation to the executive board.

Prior to his current role, he has held a number of senior positions with significant profit and loss responsibility, including Managing Director of the £1billion turnover infrastructure division and an executive board director for 12 years.

Darren is also a board member of The Port of London Authority and a director of the Rail Industry Association.

Phill joined Keltbray in 2010, having previously held the role of Managing Director of Laing O’Rourke’s £500m Infrastructure business which undertook major projects across Utilities, Transport and Energy sectors in the UK. Phill was also a member of Laing O’Rourke’s £2.5bn European Board. He was also previously a plc Board member of Alfred McAlpine and Managing Director of the £300m Infrastructure business operating across Utility and Transport sectors.

Phill has extensive experience at project and executive levels on major collaborative and partnering projects across Energy, Transport and Utility sectors, with key roles on steering groups on major projects such as St Pancras Railway Station, Heathrow Terminal 5 and Eon Partnering Frameworks.

Brendan joined Keltbray in 1989 and has held the role of Chief Executive since 2003. Since then, Brendan has taken what was a £22 million demolition company and developed it into a £548million annual turnover Group in 2019, and has been instrumental in raising the standards of the demolition and deconstruction sector, transforming the industry’s reputation from a ‘let’s knock things down’ mentality.

Keltbray’s success has been built on Brendan’s innovation, technical leadership, commitment to health and safety and consideration for quality and the environment. His focus on customer service and tailor-made solutions has also facilitated long term relationships and a large proportion of repeat business from Keltbray clients.

He is Chairman of the Build UK Board and an Honorary Fellow of RICS.

John has over 30 years of experience within the construction industry holding roles of significant responsibility within Skanska and Keltbray Group.

John joined Keltbray in 2005 when the business had a £40 million turnover. He introduced new management controls and reporting to ensure controlled organic growth.

He has also overseen and supported the Group’s diversifications and played a key role in accessing funding for a number of Group acquisitions.

Mike joined Keltbray in September 2017 to establish the company in the overhead line sector for the UK DNO market.

He has spent most of his working life in the utility service provision sector and his previous roles include Director of Kennedy Construction Group, Managing Director of the Water and Gas division for Alfred McAlpine utility services, and Managing Director and shareholder of ENS Ltd.

Peter has more than 30 years of experience within the construction industry in roles of significant responsibility within Costain PLC and Keltbray Group.

He joined Keltbray as Commercial Director in 2003 and has seen his responsibilities grow in line with Keltbray’s turnover.

Since joining Keltbray, Peter has established commercial arrangements with complex supply chains, and helped to deliver challenging construction, materials management and rail projects for Keltbray.

Vince joined Keltbray as Group Board Director in 2015, having previously spent over 30 years at Sir Robert McAlpine; most recently as a Director and Regional Manager of the firm’s London and South East business. He was appointed to the role of Chief Operating Office in November 2019.

Over the years, Vince has had personal involvement in the establishment and delivery of a number of the UK’s largest developments in both the public and private sectors. Highlights include The Jubilee Line Extension, New Colchester Garrison, Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium, London 2012 Olympic Stadium and ExCel Docklands.

Peter began his accounting career at KPMG, before moving to BDO (then Stoy Hayward) where he spent the next 28 years. During that time, he held the positions of Head of Tax and later Managing Partner of the Northern Ireland firm, where he worked on a number of large corporate finance transactions and tax assignments for both local and international groups.

While at the company, he was introduced to Keltbray and worked as an external advisor to the Group and its shareholder for 12 years before finally coming on board as Group Finance Director.