Mark Craig is the Managing Director for our Wates Construction South business. Having worked for us since 1998, he has brought a wealth of experience and expertise to the construction sector.
When Mark Craig arrived in the UK from South Africa, he wasn’t planning a career. Fresh from qualifying as a civil engineer, he was simply looking for work to fund some travel. What he didn’t expect was a late‑night phone call that would change everything – and lead to a 25‑year career at Wates.
The first day
On his first day on site in London, a simple act of kindness – a welcome and a cup of coffee – left a lasting impression. “That was Wates, from day one,” Mark says. “It was always about the people.” And that feeling of belonging never left.
Over the years, Mark took on a wide range of roles and challenges, stepping forward whenever needed and learning fast in high‑pressure environments. From schools and residential developments to some of London’s most complex city‑centre projects, his career has been shaped not by the buildings alone, but by the teams behind them.
“What’s kept me here is simple,” Mark says. “They’ve always valued me, challenged me and backed me.”
From site to senior leadership
Those challenges took him from London to Cambridge, where he led major, technically demanding projects while juggling family life and long commutes well before flexible working was the norm. “It pulled me out of my comfort zone in every way,” he reflects. “And it made me better.”
Mark later returned to London to lead significant developments and, ultimately, to take on senior leadership roles, including Regional Director, which felt hugely personal. “London is where I grew up professionally,” he says. “To lead there was a huge honour.”
Today, Mark leads the South region for our Construction division, bringing together teams with proud histories into something stronger. For him, leadership isn’t about titles. It’s about culture, trust and creating an environment where people can do their best work.
Purpose, Mark says, is simple: service to colleagues, customers, communities, and to the long-standing family business he feels privileged to help steward. He hopes he’s seen as authentic, inclusive and someone who stands firmly behind his people.
Mark Craig’s advice for those starting out
His advice to the next generation? “Be driven but be patient. Say yes to opportunities, even when they feel uncomfortable. That stretch is what shapes you.”
25 years on, Mark remains energised, proud and grateful – still motivated by the same thing that welcomed him on day one: the people.
Find out more about working at Wates
