Calgary-based DIRTT Environmental Solutions, an interior construction company that uses technology for client-driven design and manufacturing, has announced that founder and executive chair Mogens Smed has left the company, effective immediately.
In a statement, the company said that Smed in January “agreed to cease acting as CEO and to undertake a new role as executive chair as part of the company’s decision to implement a transition plan for senior management.
“In that role, Smed’s responsibilities narrowed to focus on increased DIRTT partner support, sales, and business development, and to support the management transition plan (among others), all requiring adherence to structure and discipline within the organization,” said the company, adding that as part of the transition, previously acting lead director of the board Steve Parry has been appointed as chair of the board.
“We acknowledge the enormous contribution Mogens has made since founding DIRTT, and this was a very difficult and carefully considered decision by the board,” said Parry in a statement. “However, Mogens has not adequately performed the agreed assigned duties, requiring the board to align management resources to begin building a more collaborative, adaptable and responsive team that creates the ability to successfully scale the business.”
Kevin O’Meara has been appointed the new CEO and director of the board at DIRTT
DIRTT has appointed Kevin O’Meara as chief executive officer and director of the board.
“DIRTT has performed an extensive search process to identify a CEO for the past eight months, identifying the largest applicant pool possible and conducting thorough interviews of highly qualified candidates,” said Parry, adding that O’Meara was the clear choice for the position.
DIRTT has manufacturing facilities in Phoenix, Savannah, Kelowna and Calgary. It works with nearly 100 sales partners throughout North America, the United Kingdom, the Middle East and Asia.
O’Meara’s experience includes co-founding and growing Builders FirstSource, a manufacturer and distributor of structural building products, from inception to $2.4 billion in revenue and a successful initial public offering.
Mario Toneguzzi is a veteran Calgary-based journalist who worked for 35 years for the Calgary Herald, including 12 years as a senior business writer.
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