Henry McCann's Blueprint for Construction Industry Excellence

Henry McCann’s Blueprint for Construction Industry Excellence For many executives, stepping into the role of CEO at a thriving multinational can be a daunting task — especially when the predecessor has engineered a meteoric rise in performance and reputation. But for Henry McCann, the reins of leadership at Kirby Group Engineering aren’t a burden to bear; they’re a vision to fulfill.

McCann, the newly appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Ireland-born engineering giant, is no stranger to complex construction environments or global project execution. With a career spanning decades across mechanical and electrical engineering domains, he brings with him not only technical acumen but also a clear-eyed perspective on what it takes to sustain excellence in a rapidly evolving industry.

“Mark Flanagan’s tenure as CEO was transformative,” McCann reflects. “Under his guidance, we saw not just financial growth — a $412 million increase in revenue over five years — but also a strengthening of our operational resilience and international footprint. He built a legacy that I intend to honor and evolve.”

Flanagan’s influence runs deep within the organization — and personally with McCann. “He’s more than a mentor or colleague; he’s a close friend,” McCann says. “What I’ve always admired about Mark is his ability to balance strategic ambition with people-first leadership. That’s something I will continue to champion.”

A Foundation of Values and Family Roots Founded in 1964 by the Kirby brothers in Limerick, Ireland, the company has grown from a regional contractor to a pan-European engineering powerhouse. With over 1,800 professionals operating across Ireland, the UK, and continental Europe, Kirby has carved out a reputation for excellence in sectors such as life sciences, data centers, industrial infrastructure, power, and renewables.

Despite its international reach, the company has retained its identity as a family-owned business — a point of pride for McCann. “That sense of ownership culture is embedded in how we approach every decision,” he explains. “It means we’re agile, we’re accountable, and we care deeply about the work we do and the communities we serve.”

At the heart of this culture are Kirby’s five foundational values: people, safety, quality, delivery, and value. These aren’t just buzzwords on a wall — they’re the operating principles that guide every project, every strategy session, and every client interaction.

“If we have the right people, everything flows from there,” McCann emphasizes. “Our people are our greatest asset. When you invest in their development, foster a culture of collaboration and accountability, and align them with a shared purpose, success follows naturally.”

Strategic Vision in a Dynamic Market The construction landscape is shifting. Technological advancements, sustainability imperatives, and surging demand for digital infrastructure have reshaped client expectations and project delivery models. For Kirby, this evolution presents both challenge and opportunity.

Nowhere is this more evident than in the data center sector — a vertical that has exploded in recent years thanks to the rise of cloud computing and artificial intelligence. “There’s been an unprecedented surge in R&D investment, particularly in AI and digital services,” McCann notes. “That translates to massive demand for scalable, reliable power infrastructure — which is where our expertise lies.”

Kirby’s ability to deliver complex electrical and mechanical systems for hyperscale data centers has positioned it as a preferred partner for major tech companies and institutional investors across Europe. But McCann isn’t content to rest on current success. His strategy hinges on innovation, adaptability, and proactive market positioning.

“We’re not just reacting to trends; we’re anticipating them,” he says. “We’re investing in modular construction techniques, digital engineering tools, and integrated project delivery methods that allow us to respond faster and more efficiently to client needs.”

This forward-looking mindset extends to workforce development. Recognizing the skills gap facing the industry, Kirby has ramped up its investment in apprenticeships, graduate programs, and continuous learning initiatives. “The future of construction depends on attracting and nurturing the next generation of engineers and tradespeople,” McCann asserts. “We’re building a pipeline of talent that will carry us through the next decade and beyond.”

Leadership in Transition: Continuity Meets Change With Flanagan transitioning to an executive director role on the Kirby Group Board, McCann is focused on maintaining continuity while also driving innovation. “Mark’s ongoing involvement ensures that we preserve the best of what made us successful,” he says. “At the same time, I bring my own perspective and energy to the role — one that’s grounded in collaboration, agility, and long-term thinking.”

McCann’s leadership philosophy centers on empowerment and transparency. “I believe in giving teams the autonomy to make decisions and take ownership of outcomes,” he explains. “That doesn’t mean I’m removed from the details — quite the opposite. I stay close to the projects, the people, and the market dynamics. But I also trust my leaders to execute with excellence.”

That trust is reciprocated throughout the organization. Under McCann’s guidance, Kirby is fostering a culture of psychological safety and innovation — where employees feel empowered to voice ideas, challenge assumptions, and contribute to strategic direction.

Building the Future, Brick by Brick Looking ahead, McCann is bullish on Kirby’s prospects. The company’s diversified portfolio across high-growth sectors — from life sciences to renewable energy — positions it well for sustained expansion. But more importantly, he sees an opportunity to redefine what excellence looks like in construction.

“We’re not just building structures; we’re enabling progress,” he says. “Whether it’s a cutting-edge data center, a life-saving pharmaceutical facility, or a renewable energy plant, we’re part of something bigger. And that’s what drives us.”

This broader mission extends to Kirby’s commitment to sustainability and ESG principles. The company is actively pursuing carbon reduction targets, sustainable sourcing practices, and green building certifications. “Sustainability isn’t a side project for us — it’s integral to how we do business,” McCann notes. “Our clients expect it, our people demand it, and our future depends on it.”

In a sector often criticized for inefficiencies and outdated practices, McCann is determined to lead by example. “We have the opportunity to modernize the industry from within,” he says. “By combining traditional craftsmanship with digital innovation, and by staying true to our values, we can set a new standard for what construction can achieve.”

Final Thoughts: A Blueprint for Excellence As Henry McCann settles into his role as CEO, his blueprint for success is clear: people-first leadership, unwavering commitment to core values, and a relentless focus on innovation and client value. It’s a formula that has served Kirby well in the past — and one that McCann is confident will propel the company into an even more prosperous future.

“We’re not here to just survive the market cycles,” he concludes. “We’re here to shape them. And with the right team, the right mindset, and the right values, I believe we’re just getting started.”

For a company rooted in tradition yet driven by innovation, the future under McCann’s leadership looks anything but ordinary.