The Holmes Group Board is delighted to announce Sam Cooper will step into the Holmes Group Managing Director role in July 2026.
Sam first started with Holmes in 2001, adding US and international experience with Thorton Tomasetti based in New York, before returning to Holmes in 2013. As Managing Principal for Holmes in Australia and New Zealand, Sam has been leading the largest part of the business since 2022. During his time as Managing Principal, Sam has presided over a highly successful period for the business in Australasia.
Sam will take over from John Hare, who held the role over a very prosperous decade for Holmes Group, during which the business nearly doubled in size and significantly extended its international reach. John will continue at Holmes, guiding strategy, supporting the development of our leaders, and continuing to make a strong contribution to the engineering industry at the highest level.
Mark Whiteside, current Regional Manager for the South, takes over from Sam as the Managing Principal for Holmes in Australia and New Zealand. Mark has been at Holmes since 2004, including many years as a Project Director and Business Manager for the Christchurch office, and most recently as Regional Manager in the South Island.
These changes all take effect on 1 July 2026, with a long transition period ensuring continuity and stability for Holmes and our clients and partners.