Cumming Group: An Industry Leader in Project and Cost Consulting

Since its founding in 1996 by Finlay Cumming, Cumming Group has steadily built its reputation as one of the most trusted and respected project and cost consultants in the construction industry. Headquartered in New York, the firm operates internationally, offering a broad array of services, including program and project management, cost and commercial management, dispute resolution, project controls, and project monitoring. Serving an international clientele across key sectors such as education, healthcare, hospitality, data centers, life sciences, and infrastructure, Cumming Group ensures its clients’ project goals are fully met.

In 2024, Cumming Group earned the #10 spot on Engineering News-Record’s list of the Top 100 Project Management/CM-for-Fee firms in the U.S., with 2023 revenues reaching $542.3 million. The firm employs over 2,000 professionals across more than 50 offices worldwide.

Senior Leadership Team

• Derek Hutchison, President & CEO
• A. Al Jajeh, Chief Financial Officer
• Gavin Middleton, Chief Operating Officer
• Craig Maunder, Chief Executive Officer, UK & Europe
• Stephen Coulthard, Chief Business Officer
• Bonnie Daniels, Chief Human Resources Officer
• Elissa Connors, Chief of Staff
• Christine Mosholder, Chief Development Officer
• Erwin Watt, Executive Vice President, Scheduling, and Dispute Resolution & Avoidance
• John Drennan, Sr. Vice President, Corporate Development
• Dr. Hisham Mahmoud, Chairman, Board of Directors

History and Milestones

1996-2007: The journey began in Southern California with project and cost consulting for major projects like the Paris Las Vegas resort. By 2006, the firm expanded nationally, establishing offices in key states and earning a spot on Engineering News-Record’s Top 100 list.

2008-2015: International expansion started with the acquisition of Construction Controls Group and Southern Management Group, and the opening of Cumming International in Abu Dhabi. In 2013, the New York office was established, setting the stage for further growth.

2016-2021: Cumming Group strengthened its presence in the UK through acquisitions, including GB Fitzsimon, MHBC, Prosurv Consult, and TowerEight. The consolidation of these brands under the Cumming name solidified its market position. Ireland-based Scollard Doyle was acquired in mid-2021. In the U.S., the firm acquired and merged its east-coast operations with Lehrer LLC and acquired ProjectOne, CapEX, PlanB Consulting, Inici Group, Fort Point Project Management, and Nova Partners, and moved its headquarters from Los Angeles to Seattle in 2021. An investment partnership with New Mountain Capital was also announced in late 2021.

2022-2023: The growth trajectory continued with the acquisitions of ChandlerKBS, RGMK, Amicon Management, Gallagher Construction Services, PCM Consulting, Intrepid Group, and Zubatkin Owner Representation, further expanding the firm’s capabilities and reach. In 2023, alongside moving their headquarters to New York, the company also officially changed its name from “Cumming” to “Cumming Group,” reflecting a broadened scope and unified brand identity. Additionally, a comprehensive rebrand was undertaken, updating the company logo, colors, and overall visual identity to better reflect its evolution and vision for the future.

Present Day

As of 2024, Cumming Group stands as a leading international provider of pure play project and cost management, consistently recognized among the top consultancies in the industry. With a robust team of over 2,000 experts, the firm continues to deliver excellence in project and cost management across the globe.