Sean Flanagan brings valuable experience to his new position as group executive director responsible for mining, construction and development. In his early years at Murray & Roberts, he managed the Group’s properties entity and recently helped to create a resolution for the head lease challenge. As MD of Murray & Roberts Engineering Solutions, he developed a reputation for transformation and the successful delivery of world class projects, such as Mozal, which has established a global benchmark for the implementation of aluminium smelters.

His forthright approach and a reputation for playing as hard as he works have created the illusion of showmanship. But, close colleagues say that underlying that is a foundation of unshakeable integrity. “He tackles difficult situations head-on and speaks out if he believes that something is wrong – even if his opinion is unpopular. That attribute does not always make friends but it brings enormous value to a leadership team,” says a colleague.
 

Sean has worked closely with Group CE Brian Bruce for the past eight years. In his new position, he is a useful ally and foil to Brian, who is intensely involved in group and strategic management. Sean lives and breathes the Murray & Roberts transformation strategy – his success with Murray & Roberts Engineering Solutions became a blueprint for other entities in the Group – and he has not buckled under the enormous demands placed on individual executives.

From his recent experience in operational management – where he sat in an open plan environment among his people – he also understands the mood of the broader community of employees and is well respected.

Mining
In the mining portfolio, Sean has executive responsibility for Murray & Roberts Cementation, the new business formed from the activities of Cementation Africa, Murray & Roberts RUC and a 26% empowerment partner.

The acquisition of Cementation has positioned Murray & Roberts as a world leader in underground mining services and Sean is exceptionally bullish about the future of the new mining business that has been created. He believes that by 2010, it could be delivering profit margins of five to six percent from annual revenue of more than R4 billion.

“Global mining companies value South African contractors as their implementation partners and we are building our existing relationships in Australia and Africa and exploring new opportunities in other parts of the world.”

Sean reports that the integration of Cementation and RUC is proceeding well, with the appointment of a leadership team, led by former RUC MD Henry Laas, that offers equally strong operational and strategic capacity. “We are pursuing best-in-class in all aspects of the business. Where it does not exist, we will go out and find it,” he says.

Construction
In construction, Sean will provide executive leadership through MD Stephen Pell as he shifts the focus of the business cluster from its internal transformation to the pursuit of market opportunities. Sean has had considerable success building and maintaining client relationships in the past and intends to extend this experience.

The construction portfolio, which now comprises the activities of building, civils, roads and MEI, has been through a tough period. “We are now gearing up for significant new opportunities, particularly in our domestic market. This includes Gautrain, PBMR and the 2010 Soccer World Cup. We are also exploring infrastructural opportunities where government seeks the capacity to deliver from the private sector,” he adds.

Concessions & developments
Murray & Roberts has been involved in a number of public-private concession partnerships, including the N3 Toll Road and the Bloemfontein Maximum Security Prison. Sean will not only explore new opportunities in this market but also ways in which Murray & Roberts can extend its role from that of project implementation to funding and development.

With his experience in property development, Sean will explore a different model for involvement in this market, including a potential empowerment partner.

A stable personal life
As often happens, the pressure of work  in earlier years upset the balance of Sean’s life resulting in a separation from his wife and two children. Happily, they are now reunited and Sean says the stability of family life provides the resources he needs to withstand the stresses of life in the fast lane.

Apart from a focus on his personal health, which includes regular gym and some golf, Sean spends most of his leisure time with his family and in the bush. BY LESLEY LAMBERT

Short CV
1983 Graduated with a BSc (Building) degree (Wits)
1983 Contracts manager at Combrink Construction (RSA)
1985 Project manager at John Laing Management Contracting (UK)
1986 Project manager at Schal International (UK)
1987 Project Management director at Central and City Properties (UK)
1995 MD of Murray & Roberts Properties (Gauteng, RSA)
1997 MD of Murray & Roberts Engineering Solutions
2001 Appointed a director of Murray & Roberts Limited
2004 Appointed as director of Murray & Roberts Holdings