Wates has hired Balfour Beatty national framework director Sarah Cooke as regional director for the north-west.
Cooke’s appointment is part of Wates’ drive to expand its business in the region, where it is targeting a £150m turnover by 2025.
Her new role will see her leading the company’s north-west operations, contributing to the growth of the northern region as a whole, as well as managing the delivery of public and private sector projects.
As national framework director at Balfour Beatty, Cooke was responsible for the firm’s re-procurement of the Scape Civils framework, the Crown Commercial Services framework and the Midlands Highways Alliance.
Prior to that she held senior roles at Morgan Sindall, Galliford Try and Lendlease over a 20-year career in the industry.
She also serves as non-executive director of Eco Modular Buildings, a Hull-based offsite construction business.
Cooke replaces Dave Saville, who was promoted earlier this year to managing director for the north.
“We have firm ambitions to reach a £150m turnover in the north-west by 2025 and Sarah’s appointment will absolutely support us reaching this goal,” said Saville.
“Her experience working for national customers with a regional focus will be indispensable as we look to expand the sectors we work in and increase our pipeline with national organisations like the NHS and Ministry of Justice.”
Cooke said: “The north-west has a rich pipeline of current and potential development and I’m excited to be operating in the region again for a contractor that has such solid values clearly evident throughout its business.
“With a strong focus on customer relationships and delivering a quality product safely, our aspirations to grow the business will develop over the next two to three years and I’m looking forward to leading this expansion.”
Wates has a number of high-profile projects in the north-west, including the first development for This City, a 128-apartment scheme owned by Manchester City Council.
