LEADERSHIP TEAM
Our experienced leadership team sets the direction for Byrne Group while remaining closely involved in day-to-day operations. Their clarity, consistency, and vision help drive innovation and deliver strong results.
Byrne Group
Michael Byrne
Chief Executive Officer
Paul Foley
Managing Director
Navaratnam Vanithasan (Vani)
Finance Director
Simon Taylor
Health, Safety and Environmental Director
Byrne Bros.
Philip Beausang
Managing Director
Mike McDonald
Commercial Director
Thomas Lyons
Operations Director
Brady Hartell
Operations Director
Brian Connolly
Pre-Construction Director
Ellmer
Trevor Dillon
Managing Director
Trevor graduated from the Durban University of Technology with a Higher National Diploma in Civil Engineering in 1997. He joined Byrne Bros in 2000 working on various high-profile projects ranging from the Canary Wharf HSBC Tower to the Arsenal Emirates Stadium as a Senior Site Engineer. After 15 years in the South African construction sector where he grew from Contracts Manager to Executive Director of Operations at a reputable Contractor-Developer, including 4 JV’s with WBHO, he returned to the Byrne Group as Managing Director of Ellmers in 2020. Trevor is responsible for the delivery of turnkey new build, refurbishment, and fit-out contracts within the residential, commercial, retail, and leisure & hospitality sectors. With 30 years of experience in civil engineering and construction management, he has developed a reputation for executing complex and specialised projects with excellence and efficiency.
Tony Wood
Commercial Director
Tony is a qualified Chartered Surveyor (MRICS, MCIOB) with extensive industry experience spanning a career of senior commercial roles with major construction companies in the UK.
His experience covers a wide range of commercial, industrial and residential projects operating under many varied contractual arrangements.
Since joining Ellmer in 2015 as Commercial Director Tony has lead commercial operations, overseeing contract negotiations, procurement, risk management, cost control and stakeholder engagement across the business.
Tony’s calm hands-on leadership style and non-adversarial approach to problem solving has developed high performing teams within the business, and maintained strong relationships with clients, consultants and supply-chain partners.
Damien Spagnuolo
Estimating Director
BSc (Honours) Construction Management
Damien holds a Bachelor of Science (Honours) Degree in Construction Management and brings over two decades of industry experience. He has previously served as Development, Deals and Acquisitions Manager for a leading property development firm, as well as Contracts Manager on the contracting side. This experience has provided him with an acute understanding of what’s required to deliver successful projects — from mitigating risks to maximising efficiency and value for all stakeholders.
As Estimating Director, Damien leads Ellmers’ Pre-Construction and Work Winning Department, securing a robust pipeline of high-value projects. His strategic leadership supports the company’s sustainable growth objectives while ensuring optimal profitability and long-term success.