Tidd to move on as Multiplex refocuses its operation

Multiplex is moving its managing director for UK construction, Martin Tidd, while he works out his six months’ notice. He will focus solely on the completion of Wembley stadium and its £340m Peterborough hospital PFI contract until he leaves.

The move follows on from an internal restructure, with Multiplex no longer competing for construction work in the UK. Instead, it will use an ‘integrated property model’ under which it builds its own developments in the UK.

At the same time, it will start to grow a facilities management arm in the UK, replicating what it does in Australia. Tidd’s former construction responsibilities will be taken over by Graham Robson, group commercial director based in Dubai, with immediate effect.

In a statement Tidd said: “I understand why Multiplex is making changes for UK construction in view of the new strategy.” Multiplex denied that Tidd was the fall guy for the increasingly acrimonious Wembley legal battle with client Wembley National Stadium.

However, it did admit that further court action was due to start early next month.

[Contract Journal, 27 September 2006, p 3]