Employee profile – Barrie de Pinna

What led you to where you are today?

I studied mechanical engineering in South Africa from 2002 to 2006 and then worked for a family business for thirteen years as a design engineer & Project Manager. The business portfolio was focused on delivering full turnkey projects in coal and aggregate mining, concrete batching plants, sugar refineries and warehouses. I moved to UK with my family in 2019 to seek new opportunities, just in time for the global pandemic! Following a few contract roles, I joined Amazon in 2020 as a contractor and then became an employee in 2021, handling the entire program management for construction of distribution centres, delivering 2.2 million square feet of distribution space including full fit out, automation and robotics.

What attracted you to DDK?

I was excited by the opportunity for more flexibility, empowerment and opportunities for growth and new challenges. I feel that I can really make a difference and influence as part of the founding team, implementing processes, structure and change and feel great personal satisfaction that I am bringing value to the business.

How have you found working with DDK?

It’s a very warm and welcoming environment, the team are always willing to help. There is a real sense of camaraderie and being part of a family. It’s a very driven, dynamic business and they are always open to new ideas and improving the ways of working and finding better ways of doing things.

Fun fact

At heart I’m a family man and love spending time outdoors with my girls, having adventures, camping and exploring, feeding their curiosity and teaching them about the natural world.

I personally love sport, I’m an active trail runner and enjoy mountain biking, swimming, golf, cricket and rugby – although I have had to reduce these a bit since having a family!