Cardo appoint co-founder to new Executive Chair position

Daniel Bevan - Editor

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Cardo Group has appointed its co-founder Jane Nelson to the newly created role of Executive Chair, marking a shift in leadership as the business prepares for its next phase of growth.

Nelson, who launched the company in 2023 alongside Chief Executive Liam Bevan, will take on responsibility for long-term strategy and governance.

The appointment comes as Cardo continues to expand rapidly across the UK and Ireland.

The business now employs more than 1,600 people and is projecting annual revenues of £400 million by 2026/27.

Nelson’s elevation to Executive Chair also highlights her position as one of a relatively small number of women to hold such a role within major firms in the industry.

Her career path is notable for beginning on the tools, having started as an apprentice painter and decorator in local authority housing.

Her previous experience includes positions as Managing Director and Chair at Kier Group’s southern building maintenance business, as well as leadership roles in two joint venture companies.

Bevan credited Nelson with playing a central role in shaping Cardo’s growth and culture since its inception. He said: “Jane has been instrumental in executing our growth plans, while establishing the core values that underpin our operations today.

“Her knowledge of the sector and commitment to high standards have been crucial in developing and shaping the business and she brings an impressive track record of commercial success to her new role.

“Jane is renowned for bringing innovative solutions to some of the sector’s trickiest problems, including her current focus on how maintenance contractors can support social housing providers to meet their consumer standards obligations.

“I am delighted that the business, and our partners, will continue to benefit from her experience, perspective and sector-insight.

“To support us in this transition, we have further strengthened our leadership team with the appointment of new Managing and Operational Directors across our regions and nationally.

“We have also invested heavily in our support services, ensuring our day-to-day delivery continues to be led by senior experts who are close to our clients and residents, while providing our frontline teams with the robust infrastructure they need to succeed.”

Speaking about her new role, Nelson said: “I’m incredibly proud of everyone at Cardo and the organisation we’ve built together, under Liam’s leadership.

“We’ve worked hard to create a business with strong values and a clear commitment to delivering high-quality, locally based services for our partners and communities and our sustainable approach to growth is serving us well.

“I’m pleased to be able to bring my years of hands-on experience to this new role, which gives me the opportunity to provide support at a strategic governance level as we take the business into its next stage, ensuring we stay agile as our clients’ needs evolve.”