Dr Brian McConnell OBE

Member since 2026

Brian’s background is in geology and engineering. He was born in Northern Ireland and came to Bristol where he studied geology and completed a PhD in geotechnical engineering. He subsequently founded, scaled and ultimately sold Hydrock, a multidisciplinary engineering consultancy based in the UK. The business was involved in numerous projects across the UK and internationally, in engineering, energy and sustainability. A firm believer in a good workplace culture, Hydrock was consistently ranked highly in the annual 100 Best Companies to Work For list.

After selling Hydrock, Brian co-founded Arenite Developments Ltd, which is involved in a diverse portfolio of projects from strategic new settlements to energy generation assets and commercial investments.

Brian is also currently Chairman of the Clifton Suspension Bridge Trust.

He is married to Jacqui and they have seven children between them. Brian is a keen supporter of Ulster and Irish rugby, and enjoys cycling, skiing, tennis and padel, but isn’t particularly good at any of them.