FORMER Hewden chief Kevin Parkes has been named the new managing director of Finning UK and Ireland.
The announcement follows the retirement of Neil Dickinson following a career spanning 36 years, though he will remain with the firm in an advisory capacity until end of March.
Mr Parkes, who will take over the role on February 1, was previously director of Finning’s equipment solution division. He joins the company’s senior leadership team and will report to Finning’s chief executive officer Scott Thomson.
Kevin Parkes initially joined Finning as a graduate trainee in 1996 and held a number of roles in the equipment solutions division. From 2010 to 2015, he was chief executive officer of Hewden following Finning’s divestiture of that business. He returned to Finning last year.
Scott Thomson said, “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.
“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.”
Neil Dickinson’s career began in 1979 as a graduate trainee with Leverton, which was acquired by Finning in 1997.
He has held a variety of senior 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.
Scott Thomson added, “Neil has made significant contributions to the company throughout his long career and has provided outstanding leadership to our UK and Ireland business.
“Neil’s 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 organisation.”
Neil 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 am 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.”
