NBS appoints Russell Haworth as CEO

NBS, the construction technology platform business, has appointed Russell Haworth as CEO.

Haworth is a technology-focused CEO, with a successful track record of growing businesses across multiple sectors – ranging from FinTech to Cyber Security by leveraging software, information and data analytics. 

He was previously CEO of Nominet, the UK internet domain registry and cyber security company.  Prior to this, Haworth spent 14 years at Thomson Reuters working in multiple continents including North America, Asia and the Middle East. In addition to his extensive operational experience he has a strong background in M&A. 

Colin Smith, previously Executive Chairman of NBS, will now become UK Chairman and Chief Strategy Officer of Byggfakta Group, with responsibility for NBS, its Australian and Canadian subsidiaries and Glenigan, the construction and planning data provider.

“Russell brings a wealth of experience and new energy," he said. "Not only has he spent the past two decades in the data, information and technology arena, his strong track record includes scaling commercial operations internationally with a combination of organic growth and acquisitions. His leadership style is engaging, inclusive and people-centric and his intelligence and diligence shone through. That’s why we consider him the perfect person to take NBS through the next phase.”

Haworth said he was excited to join a business that has achieved so much already, but equally well positioned to grow further in the construction data and information market. "NBS has a rich history and some unique products that add tremendous value to the construction industry. With further product innovation and international expansion opportunities as well as the Byggfakta Group behind it we have a great opportunity to continue NBS’s growth.”

For over 50 years, Newcastle based NBS has provided information and tools to the construction industry, and in recent years transformed into a leading SaaS provider. The NBS platform brings construction specifiers, manufacturers, and contractors together to improve project decision-making quality, drive product specification, and provide critical insights.

The company has grown significantly in the past two years, both organically and via acquisitions, resulting in increased international revenues, with permanent bases now established in Canada and Australia, alongside the recent acquisition of SCL Schumann and Ezyspec in Australia. In 2020 Byggfakta Group acquired NBS from RIBA and LDC.

Byggfakta Group is a leading software and information company within the construction industry, with a proprietary cloud-based service and a fully integrated data and software platform. Search firm BlairWest worked with NBS to deliver the appointment of the new CEO.

In other recent appointments:

• Magellan Advisors has announced the promotion of Clayton Johnston to VP of Design and Construction. Going forward, Clayton will be responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of Magellan's EPC group, including all Design, Engineering, Permitting, Construction and Project Management activities.
• Shawmut Design and Construction has appointed Liyuan Woo, Executive VP, Chief Financial Officer at The Beauty Health Company, to its board of directors. In her role, Woo will leverage her experience in finance and operational scaling to help drive the firm's nationwide growth, with an emphasis on the New York and Los Angeles markets.
• AXA XL's North America Construction business has promoted three in its Subcontractor Default Insurance business including the appointments of Cyrus Manekshaw and Ian Sadler to Underwriting Directors and Cheri Hanes to SDI Construction Risk Engineering Manager.