Our people

Paul brings nearly 40 years of experience in construction and deconstruction to his role as Chairman of the DE Group. Alongside his appetite for structurally or logistically challenging projects, Paul is also a published authority in the remediation of dangerous structures.
His expertise in this field and his role as Chairman of NESST (National Emergency Services Support Taskforce) have seen him play instrumental roles in countless emergency responses, including many high profile incidents. These include the 2011 London riots, Grenfell Tower and Storm Eunice’s damage to the 02 Millennium Dome to name a few.

Graduating from the University of Greenwich in 1993 with a BSc Honours degree in Building Surveying, Ashley’s career has seen him become an authority in asbestos abatement and removal. He established Deconstruct with Paul Ford in 2009, followed by the formation of further “DE” companies over subsequent years, becoming Group Managing Director in 2014 — a role which sees him work closely with the Board of Directors to ensure the continued robust growth and development of the DE Group.

Having worked in the construction and fit-out sector in central London since 1989, Robert brings a wealth of experience and expertise in a variety of procurement routes to his role as Managing Director at De Group Contracting and Group Board Director for the DE Group. Driven by a focus to expand the DEGC services into high-end fit out, refurbishment and construction across London’s commercial, residential, hotel, later living, care and leisure sectors, his enthusiasm and team ethic help ensure that client expectations are not only met but exceeded.

As the Group’s SHEQ Director, Marc is responsible for ensuring that the Group maintains the highest levels of governance and standards with respect to occupational health and safety and quality, also ensuring that our environmental and sustainability strategies are continually developed, implemented, and challenged. Alongside his role within the DE Group, Marc volunteers for United Kingdom International Search and Rescue (UKISAR), which has seen him deploy on operational responses in Turkey following the earthquakes in 2023 and supporting the team on other international training deployments. This volunteer role extends to the UK where he works with USAR teams from Fire & Rescue Services across the country.

Kelly has worked in construction since starting out as an apprentice bricklayer and stonemason in 1988. Having run his own contracting business, he moved into project management for a main contractor, becoming prime residential Divisional Director in 2009 and board-level Construction Director in 2017. His Membership of the Chartered Institute of Building in 2010 was followed by Fellowship in 2015. As Construction Director for De Group Contracting he brings outstanding leadership skills allied to a wealth of experience and meticulous attention to detail.

Joining Deconstruct at its inception in 2009, James is the Group Commercial Director, responsible for all commercial aspects of the contracting businesses within the group. With a focus on complex central London projects, he provides support for Deconstruct, De Group Contracting and Decontaminate and is responsible for seamless co-ordination of packages between our companies.

Having joined Deconstruct after completing a degree in Accounting & Finance in 2010, Raj held a number of operational roles within the DE Group of companies before being appointed Group Finance Director in 2018. His role sees him working closely with the team to maintain robust compliance whilst taking overall responsibility for the Finance & IT functions for the group as well as maintaining close relationships with key stakeholders.

As DE Group’s Business Development Director, George is responsible for establishing and nurturing new and existing client relationships, as well as marketing and early engagement for our contracting businesses. Working on multiple aspects of the business since joining in 2010, his clear and inherent understanding of our technical capabilities, combined with his ability to piece together the wider development picture, has helped him develop a variety of procurement routes that best suit our clients’ needs.