IWFM Veterans in FM Network interview with Phil Bentley, CEO of Mitie

IWFM Veterans in FM Network interview with Phil Bentley, CEO of Mitie

IWFM Veterans in FM Network Interview - Phil Bentley, CEO of Mitie

Michelle Connolly, Co-Founder and Director of 300 North and Committee Member of IWFM Veterans in FM Network sits down with Phil Bentley to discuss his early career to his current role as CEO of Mitie, employing 68,000 people, which includes over 1000 veterans.

Below is the interview transcript, but be sure to check out the full video on the IWFM Youtube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FAXEyyDfj3U

 

 

Michelle: Can you share your career journey and how it led you into facilities management?

Phil: I started at BP in the 1980s, working internationally in China, Egypt, France, and the US. After that, I spent five years at Diageo, then led British Gas and Cable & Wireless before joining Mitie in 2016.

Facilities management brings together all my previous experience—large-scale operations, energy, people, and now increasingly, technology. At Mitie, we combine engineering, cleaning, and security services, and technology is transforming how we manage buildings and resources.

 

Michelle: What major trends are shaping the FM industry right now?

Phil: There are several significant changes:

  • Legislation: Fire Safety Act, Martin’s Law, Worker Protection Act, and Net Zero targets are all reshaping the industry.
  • Technology: Greater use of data and tech to manage buildings efficiently and safely.
  • Sustainability: Net zero carbon is a key driver. Mitie aims to be net zero by 2025.
  • Building standards: Many UK buildings, particularly in cities, need upgrades to meet EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) standards by 2030.

We’re investing in energy solutions, data centres, fire and security services to support this transformation.

 

Michelle: How important is the Armed Forces community to Mitie?

Phil: Very important. We employ over 1,000 veterans and always have room for more. Veterans bring qualities like resilience, self-reliance, and a strong work ethic that fit well with FM roles.

Additionally, the MOD is our largest client. We manage sites in Scotland, Northern Ireland, Gibraltar, Cyprus, the South Atlantic (including Ascension and the Falklands), and we’re involved in major projects and the UK training estate. This close relationship means we understand military culture and the value veterans bring to our workforce.

 

Michelle: What types of opportunities exist at Mitie for service leavers?

Phil: We have openings in:

  • Security and engineering
  • Prison and immigration services
  • Project management
  • Facilities services across defence sites

We also provide development opportunities such as apprenticeships and leadership pathways. There’s real scope to build a career.

 

Michelle: What leadership lessons have you learned that could inspire future FM professionals?

Phil: A few key principles:

  • Care deeply about your people and company values.
  • Lead with low ego and high impact. I don’t have a personal office—I prefer to be out with the team.
  • People follow people. You remember both great and poor managers.
  • Never stop learning. I’ve continued investing in my own skills, and we encourage others to do the same through apprenticeships and development programmes. 

 

Michelle: How is Mitie supporting diversity and inclusion in leadership?

Phil: We’ve set ambitious goals:

  • 40% of top management to be women (we’re almost there)
  • 15% to be ethnically diverse (also nearly achieved)

We offer mentoring, employee networks (military, diversity, women’s, carers), and regular leadership engagement. I personally participate in reverse mentoring to understand different perspectives and continuously improve.

 

Michelle: Mitie was ranked 7th among the top 15 employers for veterans in the UK in 2024. Can you share more about that?

Phil:Yes, we're proud of that recognition. We’ve signed the Armed Forces Covenant at the platinum level. Support includes:

  • Two weeks’ additional leave for reservist training
  • Buddying schemes
  • Transition and readiness support
  • Sponsoring Army Rugby
  • Company-wide remembrance services

This reflects our commitment to being an employer of choice for veterans.

 

Michelle: Thank you, Phil, for such a valuable and inspiring conversation. It’s been a pleasure hearing about your journey and Mitie’s impressive commitment to veterans and facilities management.

Phil: Thanks, Michelle. We’re always happy to welcome more veterans—send them our way!

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