The Executive Board of Royal BAM Group nv has announced that James Wimpenny, Executive Director, Construction, UK and Ireland Division, has decided to retire on 31 January 2024.


Following a 38-year career with BAM, James is retiring to spend more time with his family and pursue opportunities in the charitable sector. He joined BAM in 1985 as a management trainee and has developed his career through various operational and leadership roles. In May 2015 James joined the then BAM Construct UK board, becoming the lead of this part of the business in January 2017 and subsequently joining the UK and Ireland Divisional Leadership team as the Executive Director of the Construction segment in January 2022. 

In the interim Simon Finnie, Executive Director, Ventures, UK and Ireland Division, will take on the additional role of leading the Construction segment while a successor is recruited. 

“I would like to thank James for his service, commitment and contribution to BAM over his long career with the business. I know he is looking forward to having more time to spend with his family and pursue some opportunities with charitable organisations.

“During his career James has played a key role in the early adoption of digital technologies in the Construction segment and has been an advocate of collaboration both internally and externally with our supply chain and clients. 

“I am delighted that Simon Finnie has agreed to step in to lead the Construction segment while we recruit James’ successor. Simon has a wealth of skills and knowledge from his time with BAM and the wider construction industry.”

John Wilkinson

COO, BAM UK and Ireland