Finning UK and Ireland appoint new MD

Kevin Parkes to take over as managing director from Neil Dickinson who is retiring from the company

FINNING UK and Ireland have announced that managing director Neil Dickinson is to retire from the company following a distinguished 36-year career. Kevin Parkes, current director of the equipment solution division, has been appointed managing director to succeed him.

Mr Parkes (pictured) will assume the role on 1 February 2016, with Mr Dickinson assisting in the leadership transition and remaining with the company in an advisory capacity until the end of March 2016.

As managing director, Kevin Parkes will join the company’s senior leadership team and report to Finning’s chief executive officer, Scott Thomson.

Mr Dickinson began his career in 1979 as a graduate trainee with Leverton, who were acquired by Finning in 1997. He has held a variety of operational and leadership roles across the UK and Canada, including positions in human resources, heavy construction and power systems, and has led the Finning UK and Ireland business since 2010.

‘Neil has made significant contributions to the company throughout his long career and has provided outstanding leadership to our UK and Ireland business,’ said Scott Thomson.

‘His passion and commitment to Finning are evident in the enviable safety record achieved by our UK and Ireland team as well as his deep relationships with customers and across the Caterpillar organization.’

Commenting on his retirement, Mr Dickinson said: ‘I believe this is the right time for me to retire from Finning and for Kevin to assume his place as the leader of the UK and Ireland operations.

‘I’m proud of our accomplishments as a team, particularly our adaptability in a competitive environment and our strong safety results. I’m confident that, under Kevin’s leadership, the Finning UK and Ireland business will continue to drive business results and exceed customer expectations.’

Mr Parkes brings considerable experience with Finning to his new role, most recently leading the equipment solutions division. He joined Finning as a graduate trainee in 1996 and held a variety of progressively senior roles in the equipment solutions division.

From 2010 to 2015, Mr Parkes was chief executive officer of UK equipment rental company Hewden, following Finning’s divestiture of that business. Last year he returned to Finning after his previous 13 years with the company to take on the role of director, equipment solutions.

‘As part of our succession-planning efforts, we are pleased to announce the appointment of Kevin Parkes as managing director of Finning UK and Ireland,’ said Scott Thomson.

‘Kevin is a well-respected leader with a unique blend of extensive Finning experience and prior CEO experience at Hewden. His proven leadership ability, along with a strong customer and results focus make him well suited to assume these responsibilities and lead the business forward.’