Cyril Sweett, the leading international quantity surveying and project management consultancy today announces the appointment of Chris Knights to the newly created position of Sales and Marketing Director, responsible for group business development, marketing and communications.

Building on an earlier construction and project management career as an officer in the British Army, he has a further 17 years commercial plc experience in general management and sales and marketing which includes OTIS, Securicor and Johnson Controls. He has successfully set up and run multiple JVs overseas and has strong M&A and integration experience. At Securicor Plc he was responsible for developing the Securicor Plc business into the Middle East which at the time employed 4000 staff with a turnover of £25m and integrated an £80m acquisition in Europe.

Dean Webster, Chief Executive Officer, said “Chris brings with him a wealth of experience in international business development and his appointment further strengthens the management team which will drive the future growth of the company. We are currently working with our advisors to pursue a flotation on the Alternative Investment Market and Chris with his extensive plc experience will be an integral part of the management team that drives the organic growth and acquisition strategy. I welcome Chris on board and believe we are now well placed to develop our business into a £100m international consultancy.”

Chris will sit on the UK and International management boards and will be based in London.