Oliver North joins as a Partner and Head of Cost and Commercial Management, strengthening our senior leadership team as we seek to expand our cost and commercial capability across nationally significant infrastructure, investment and major programmes.
Oliver brings 20 years’ experience in cost and commercial management across property and infrastructure to the role. He has previously led a team of around 600 professionals across the UK and Europe, with active service delivery across 15 countries, and held senior roles spanning both public and private sector markets and major programmes.
Growing our cost and commercial management capability
With a national remit, Oliver will lead the evolution of our cost and commercial management capability, driving team growth, expanding key client relationships and strengthening our position on major programmes, strategic frameworks and nationally significant infrastructure investments.
One key area of focus will be how we can use data, digital technology and AI to give clients better insight into cost, value and risk, helping them make decisions more quickly and with greater confidence. The appointment comes as the government increases its focus on the practical adoption of AI, including through measures announced around the 2026 Budget to support how AI is used in procurement and across public services, as well as how it is adopted more widely.
Major programme and infrastructure experience
Oliver has a proven track record of leading commercial strategy and delivery across nationally significant programmes in infrastructure, defence, healthcare, transport and real estate. His experience includes the NHS New Hospitals Programme, DEFRA NBC, Defence Infrastructure Organisation portfolios, Associated British Ports, Universal’s new theme park and entertainment destination in Bedford, the €2.4bn Ellinikon regeneration in Athens, as well as major property and infrastructure programmes across Europe, Americas and APAC. At Ridge, Oliver will use this international experience to inform how our UK teams approach major programmes, particularly where clients work with international partners and supply chains.
Using data and AI to improve commercial decision-making
On joining Ridge, Oliver North said:
I’m joining Ridge at an exciting time. The quality of its people, its culture and its ambition all really shine through, and I’m looking forward to applying the experience I’ve gained working across the UK, Europe and international markets to strengthen and grow our cost and commercial service offer across major programme and infrastructure markets.”
Oliver North
Head of Cost and Commercial Management
“My main ambition is to develop how Ridge approaches cost and commercial management by bringing together the optimal combination of commercial, technical and major programme expertise. Data and AI will be a key part of this; used well, they can give clients unrivalled insight and competitive advantage, enabling them to make decisions quickly and with greater confidence.”
Mark Richards, Cost Management Partner at Ridge, said: “Oliver brings extensive experience of leading large teams and delivering complex major programmes across property and infrastructure.”
He understands what clients need from a cost and commercial management service offer as projects increase in scale and complexity, and how different disciplines need to work together to provide the kinds of practical advice our clients need.”
Mark Richards
Cost and Commercial Management Partner
“His appointment will help us to more consistently grow and secure strategic major programmes. His experience of working across international markets, together with his understanding of how data and technology can improve commercial decision-making, will also bring valuable thinking to those we work with across the UK.”
Let’s talk
Find out more about our Cost and Commercial Management services, or get in touch with Oliver North to discuss how we can support your next project or programme.
