Developing people for future leadership roles is an important part of succession planning at Phenna Group. Tommy Morris, Managing Director of Building Envelope Technologies (BET), shows how this works in practice. His progression through sales, procurement, and operations prepared him to succeed Brian Shannon, combining career development with business continuity.
Since joining BET in 2014, Tommy has built strong client relationships while learning how the business works from different perspectives. Today, he leads its specialist testing, inspection and building performance services, focusing on developing people and maintaining the standards clients rely on.
Bringing Experience into a New Sector
Before joining BET, Tommy was Sales and Operations Manager at a joinery company specialising in bespoke fitted kitchens.
Working with design teams, contractors, and end users from initial design through completion taught him to understand different requirements and coordinate project delivery. Those skills proved valuable when he began looking for a new challenge.
The testing, inspection, certification and compliance (TICC) sector offered an opportunity to apply his experience in a different area of construction. BET appealed to him because of its established position in Ireland's testing and certification market and the chance to grow alongside the business.
He joined as a Key Account Manager in 2014, bringing an understanding of client relationships that provided a strong foundation for his career.
Preparing for Leadership and Succession
Tommy's responsibilities grew as he moved into senior roles across sales, procurement and operations.
Working in sales helped him understand what clients needed. Moving into operations gave him a broader appreciation of how teams, resources and commercial decisions come together to deliver those requirements.
"It gave me a much broader view of the business and helped me understand how our teams, commercial decisions and service delivery work together."
As Operations Director, Tommy applied that understanding across BET. When Brian Shannon moved into a divisional leadership role within Phenna Group, Tommy was appointed Managing Director in May 2021 as part of a planned internal succession.
Tommy brought established client relationships and a deep understanding of BET's people and operations. Promoting from within retained that knowledge and continuity while creating opportunities for both Tommy and Brian to progress.
Growing into Leadership
Taking on broader responsibilities meant changing how Tommy approached his role.
Moving across departments required him to understand the pressures different teams face and balance client expectations with what the business could deliver. As his responsibilities increased, he also had to reconsider his involvement in everyday decisions.
"As my responsibilities grew, I also had to learn to step back from day-to-day decisions and give others the support and trust to lead."
Giving colleagues room to take responsibility became an important part of his development. It helped prepare him for the Managing Director role, where supporting others to make decisions contributes to the wider performance of the business.
Leading BET and Supporting Its People
Today, Tommy works closely with BET's teams to develop client relationships, support growth and oversee the delivery of its specialist services.
He is proud of his contribution to expanding the company's capabilities and client base while maintaining its service standards. Although becoming Managing Director was a personal milestone, the team's collective achievements give him the greatest satisfaction.
"The most rewarding part is seeing our people grow and succeed while delivering work we can be proud of."
Being part of Phenna Group creates opportunities to share expertise and learn from other businesses.
Tommy's experience reflects Phenna Group's approach: identifying talent within our businesses, giving people broader experience and increasing responsibility, and supporting them to prepare for future leadership roles. Succession planning helps us develop our people while ensuring our businesses have the leadership they need for their next stage of growth.
Advice for Building a Career
Tommy encourages colleagues to look beyond their usual responsibilities and understand how other parts of their business operate.
His moves through sales and operations helped him gain a more complete understanding of BET and prepare for leadership.
"Ask questions, learn from the people around you and be willing to take on new responsibilities when the opportunity comes."
He also believes practical experience deserves recognition alongside formal qualifications.
Formal qualifications aren't everything. A degree may open doors, but practical problem-solving and adaptability are what sustain a career and a business."
Life Outside Work
Away from BET, Tommy enjoys spending time with his wife and three children. He is also involved in the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA), coaching teams at his local club.
Helping players develop keeps him connected to his community and gives him a chance to switch off from work.
Running offers another outlet. Tommy has completed two Dublin City Marathons and hopes to take on more in the future.
Build your career with Phenna Group
Explore our Careers page to learn more about working across the Group and discover opportunities with our businesses.