David Kieft, CEO of RD Group, began his career as an apprentice electrician in the early 1980s, before going on to work on several major South Wales and UK based engineering projects – leading installation, testing and commissioning activities.
Following a period working in London, Kieft returned to Wales to collaborate on a new, Swansea-based engineering company, quickly becoming director and co-owner of the firm – thus RDM was born.
In the early 90s , Kieft and his business partner split the business from its parent company to run as a separate limited company and it would go on to become only the second company in Wales to secure formal BS Quality Assurance.
The business has grown in profitability every year, and in 2021 achieved a turnover of £15m, which continues to grow. It now directly employs 150 people, plus sub-contractors.
Kieft made the decision to split some activities out of the original RDM business, creating three linked sister-companies, delivering separate components of design/innovation consultancy (EFT Consult), Major Project Services Installations (RDM Mechanical & Electrical Services), and Facilities Management and Maintenance (DRS). This combined, symbiotic group of companies is now called the Raven Delta (RD) Group.
Kieft has developed a client base which includes central and local government as well as the private sector, with a growing component of the group’s work currently being with the Ministry of Defence.
He sits on a number of Welsh Government SIGs (Special Interest Groups), identifying technology and innovation opportunities and advising on how to take them forward.
He has won multiple industry awards and held many roles with the Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA), culminating in the role of president. He is now a Fellow of the ECA (FECA) and sits on the main board.
Kieft currently represents a number of professional bodies within the Welsh Government and is a senior representative of SEC group. He is also a fellow of the Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (FRSA).
In April 2021, the British Standards Institute (BSI) recognised the importance of the pioneering work done by RD Group towards the creation of PAS 3003, fast-tracking it into a new British Standard aimed at addressing the many issues involved in improving indoor environmental quality.
The importance of this work has been widely praised throughout the construction industry.
Charitable donations and community sponsorship/support are very important to Kieft, as is his commitment to facilitating professional and personal development for the employees of RD Group.
Speaking of his most valued personal achievements, he cites his marriage and raising his two daughters.
