Conlon Construction has announced that chair Michael Conlon MCIOB will retire after more than 38 years at the Preston-based firm.
Current managing director Guy Parker MCIOB will step into the role, consolidating the responsibilities of both managing director and executive chair from 1 January 2026.
The company, founded by Conlon’s father and four uncles in 1961, transitioned to employee ownership in 2024.
Conlon joined the family-run firm as an assistant site manager in 1987, before progressing through a series of senior roles. He was appointed chair in 2013.
Reflecting on his retirement, Conlon said: “I’m incredibly proud of my time at Conlon. We’ve had the privilege of delivering major projects that have shaped Lancashire and the wider north west’s cultural and civic landscape. What means most, though, is the positive impact we’ve had on our community.
Family values
“Whether through apprenticeships, charity partnerships or supporting local supply chains, we’ve always held true to the family values the business was built on.
“Guy has been integral to the business for many years. We’ve worked shoulder to shoulder, always focused on doing what’s best for our people, our clients and our community. With him at the helm, I know those values will continue to guide Conlon for years to come.”
Parker, who joined the company in 1998 and has served as managing director since 2016, brings more than 25 years of operational and strategic experience to the role.
Commenting on his appointment, Parker said: “It’s an honour to take on the role of chair following Michael’s remarkable leadership and decades of service.
“As an employee-owned business, our people are central to everything we do. My priority is to uphold the values that have defined Conlon for more than 60 years, while driving forward our commitment to delivering projects that genuinely improve the places we work in.”
