Akela Construction, Managing Director
The Client
Akela Construction is one of Scotland’s leading civil engineering and construction firms, with a strong presence across the Central Belt and Southern Scotland. Founded in 2003 by the Group Managing Director, the company has built a reputation for delivering high-quality projects safely, on time, and within budget. Akela continues to grow while staying true to its founding principles of reliability, quality, and long-term client relationships.
The Requirement
After two decades of hands-on leadership, the Group MD and his senior team recognised the need to bring in a new Managing Director to lead Akela Construction into its next chapter. With the Group MD’s attention increasingly focused on other parts of the Akela Group, the business needed someone who could take the reins, drive strategic growth, and explore new markets—particularly in energy and infrastructure.
The ideal candidate would not only need deep experience in civil engineering but also the leadership qualities to inspire teams, build client relationships, and maintain the company’s strong reputation. This was also a key moment for succession planning, making the appointment even more critical.
The Solution
Novo worked closely with Mark and the leadership team to understand the business, its culture, and the kind of leader who would thrive in this environment. We designed a search strategy focused on identifying senior operational leaders within civil engineering across Scotland—people who had the technical know-how, commercial acumen, and leadership presence to take Akela forward.
Our approach included:
- Mapping senior talent across the region
- Engaging candidates with proven track records in business growth and operational excellence
- Assessing leadership style, cultural fit, and strategic thinking
- Managing a discreet and thorough search process
The Outcome
Akela Construction successfully appointed a new Managing Director based at their Thornliebank, Glasgow headquarters. The chosen candidate brought a wealth of experience in civil engineering, a collaborative leadership style, and a clear vision for growth. They quickly became a trusted figure within the business, building strong relationships with clients and teams alike.
This appointment has positioned Akela to expand into new sectors, strengthen its operational efficiency, and continue delivering the high standards it’s known for. It also marks an important step in the company’s long-term succession planning and leadership evolution.
