Michael Walsh has joined Red ԭ Group as a strategic director, focused on strengthening Red’s market presence and strategic positioning in the hospitality industry. Walsh has been hired to bolster the company’s existing experience in the sector, including refurbishment works to London’s St Pancras Renaissance Hotel.
Fifteen years ago Walsh was a partner at quantity surveyors Gardiner & Theobald before he moved to InterContinental Hotel Group (IHG) to run its capital projects. Re sees hotels as a growth business.
Walsh said: “In construction, particularly within the luxury hospitality and hotel sector, reputation is everything. Red has built its name on relationships, integrity, and trust, consistently delivering. The opportunity to help further develop Red’s presence in this sector, by strengthening its reputation, and creating new successes across the luxury hospitality landscape, is one I am eager to pursue.”
London-based Red has also recruited its first full-time group finance director as turnover heads towards the target of £200m. (It was £171m last year and £115m in 2024.)
Alastair Gordon-Stewart joins Red ԭ Group as group finance director with more than 30 years of experience in the construction and property development sectors, with companies including Allison Homes, Larkfleet Homes and, most notably, 12 years in senior finance leadership roles at Kier.
Last year Red restructured its senior leadership team to focus on both growth and profitability. Founder Graham Sturge remains chief executive, while Derek Quinn has recently become chief operating officer. Sam Hewitt has moved to group commercial director for the construction business allowing Jon Hayes to assume the wider CCO role covering all subsidiaries.
Chief executive Graham Sturge said: “These appointments are an important milestone in the evolution of Red ԭ Group. As we enter our second decade, our focus is firmly on sustainable growth as a settled and mature business. Welcoming Alastair as our first full-time group finance director strengthens our financial governance and provides the robust platform required to support long-term stability. At the same time, Michael’s appointment enhances our ability to deepen relationships and create new opportunities in hospitality, an area where we have already demonstrated our ability to deliver quality projects. These strategic hires ensure we are well-positioned for the next stage of growth while remaining true to the values that have underpinned our success to date.”