Hewden strengthen senior operations team

Plant hire firm appoints Mike Omond, Edward Carr and Kevin Chalmers to senior-level positions

EQUIPMENT and crane hire specialists Hewden have made three appointments to senior level positions as the company continues to realign its business to its core strengths and foster a more customer-centric approach to the way it does business.

Mike Omond joins the company in the new role of operations director – plant, while Edward Carr takes the role of operations director – cranes, and former Interlift managing director, Kevin Chalmers, takes the role of operations director – lifting solutions, following Hewden’s acquisition of Interlift last month.

Hewden’s chief executive officer, Adrian Murphy, said: ‘We’re delighted with these new appointments. Mike, Edward and Kevin all bring a tremendous amount of expertise, innovative thinking and leadership qualities to Hewden.

‘There’s never been a more exciting time to be involved in this business. We’re investing in our people, our processes and our products, to be the leading on-site solutions provider in the UK. With these new appointments, we’re in a better position to achieve these strategic goals.’

Mike Omond (pictured) started in plant hire as a 16-year-old and has worked his way through the ranks to the top of the profession. He started in grass-roots depot roles, progressing into regional sales and account management at National Grid and Scotia Gas Networks.

Mr Omond’s first director-level role was at Hydrex Specialist Plant, running the operational business from 20 locations, with a fleet of 8,000 items and 500 operators. Then, as managing director of the Plant and Rail Division of Speedy for three years, he developed the business across a range of small-to-medium plant, powered access, traffic management and specialist events.

Edward Carr started his career at Kier Plant, as a plant engineer. After working across a variety of engineering and managerial roles both in the UK and overseas, he went on to head up Kier’s crane and fleet business, overseeing operations for more than 120 cranes and 6,000 vehicles.

Prior to joining Hewden, Mr Carr was in charge of Select Hire’s tower crane and hoist businesses through a period of rapid growth and expansion. He was instrumental in growing the company’s business and establishing Select as one of the leading tower crane providers.

Kevin Chalmers founded lifting and materials handling firm Interlift in 2006. During his 10 years as managing director, he successful grew the business to 34 staff across three locations – Middlesbrough, Hull and Glasgow.

Hewden acquired Interlift earlier this year, by which point the company had become one of the UK’s leading providers of lifting products and accessories, including: hoists, lifting straps, shackles, beam and plate clamps, hydraulic lifts, height safety and man riding equipment.