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Setting the standard for maintaining assets
Photo of Dr Richard O'Conner

Richard O’Connor

Business Improvement Director, Thomas Vale Construction

Richard’s career has been primarily focused on the setting-up, operation, management and improvement of businesses across the range of sectors. As a leading practitioner in the application of Lean, Systems Thinking and Six Sigma he has worked with over 100 companies, helping organizations of all shapes and sizes to improve operations, realizing real tangible improvements in quality, delivery and cost competitiveness.  He is a chief assessor for World Class business models, and is heading a research program into world class supply chains in the construction industry.

In 2002, Richard worked with Constructing Best Practice on piloting Lean and continuous improvement within the construction industry.  Following the success of this pilot, the DTI provided £5 million to establish the Construction Lean Improvement Program (CLIP).

Richard took up the position of Business Improvement Director with Thomas Vale Construction, in September 2003.  He still oversees the implementation of a Lean Improvement Strategy to remove waste and maximize added-value in all areas of the business and in the supply chain.  He also works outside of Thomas Vale, providing professional support services to those organizations on their improvement journey.