Bam CEO Theo Cullinane to step down from role

During his time at the helm, he oversaw the construction of some of the largest building projects in the state

Theo Cullinane, a chartered engineer has worked with BAM for 43 years - 13 as CEO.

The chief executive of civil engineering giant BAM’s Irish operations is to retire this summer.

Theo Cullinane, a chartered engineer, has worked with BAM for 43 years, 13 as CEO and chairman of Royal BAM group’s operations here.

During his time at the helm, he oversaw delivery of some of the largest road, bridge and hospital projects in the state, as well as building offices and hotels for the private sector.

They include the hi-tech HQ campus at Leopardstown, the huge visual control tower at Dublin Airport, the Boland’s Quay development in Dublin’s South docklands for Google, the Navigation Square development on Cork’s south docks and the HQ project, including the Dean Hotel on the north docks, and the refurbishment and restoration of the city’s criminal courts complex on Anglesea St.

BAM was also involved in the N25 New Ross public private partnership (PPP) scheme which features the longest extradosed bridge of its type in the world.

The company, which had a turnover of €461m in 2020, has also been embroiled in controversy over the costs associated with the National Children’s Hospital in Dublin and with the stalled Cork event centre project.

BAM won the bid for public funding for the 6,000-capacity event centre in 2014 but not a single brick has been laid yet.

Detailed design work finally got underway last November and the government later approved an extra €7m in public funding to cover inflation and Covid delays in addition to the €50m already pledged.

A source close to the process said Mr Cullinane’s retirement should not affect the project’s current timelines, which forecast a 2024 completion date. 

The design work is expected to conclude in June, around the time Mr Cullinane retires.

In a statement, Mr Cullinane said it has been an honour for him to spend his full professional career working for Royal BAM Group.

“I would like to thank the executive board for their steadfast support on the many developments and new initiatives on diversification and sustainability over the years,” he said.

“I thank my colleagues and partners for being on this journey with me, and our clients for being so supportive of our work over the many years.

“I will continue to dedicate myself to the organisation until June 2022 to ensure an orderly transition.” 

Tom Parlon, the director general of the Construction Industry Federation, paid tribute to him.

“He is a top-draw engineer who has had a remarkable career, leading the company through difficult times,” he said.

“He has left an indelible mark on the country through the delivery of large infrastructure and landmark buildings that will be there for a lifetime.

“But he is also a tough, uncompromising and larger than life character who hired good engineers, including several high-profile female engineers, that leaves BAM in a strong position.” 

His replacement will be announced later.