John Setra

John set up K2 Construction Management over 20 years ago with a dream to build a business with a reputation for excellence. John enjoys problem solving and business and identifies his skills as focused around entrepreneurship and project management. By blending the two, he aims to deliver novel solutions to K2’s client base. His career has provided him with a broad appreciation of the industry, with his experience spanning development, contracting, design and construction management before specialising in project management.

What’s your proudest moment at K2CM?

There is not a single moment, but I am proud of establishing and leading an organisation of talented people that would excel in any similar organisation, anywhere in the world. To see K2 mentioned and compared against many larger and better-known organisations makes me extremely proud – and this is entirely down to our people, their expertise and loyalty to K2CM.

What are you passionate about outside of work?

I enjoy travel immensely. I am lucky to have worked in France and SE Asia for small parts of my career. I have also travelled widely and experienced the culture, landscape, and food of many different countries. I am an avid skier which partly influenced the choice of K2 as the name for our business. I love the outdoors and activity sports including windsurfing, sailing and kitesurfing. At home I am also passionate about food and a half decent cook!

What advice would you give to someone looking to get into what you do?

Get as wide a variety of experience as you can in construction, design, management and property.

What’s your favourite building?

Tate Modern – which I worked on in the late 90’s. I recall walking into the main turbine hall before we started to redevelop the building. It was vast and impressive. The designers managed to hold on to the ‘soul’ of the building and create a place for people to gather and experience modern and contemporary art that is truly unique.

Image credit: https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2020/05/11/tate-modern-turns-20

What’s your personal philosophy?

If you are passionate about what you do and do it to the best of your ability, then success will come.

What do you think are the benefits of K2 joining the Hanmi Global family?

Hanmi Global (HG) bring stability, support, resilience and access to new markets and territories for K2. HG and our sister company Otak, based in the US, share the same philosophy and ambition to become a global organisation built upon excellence, great people and innovation.

What characteristics and skills do you look for in people?

Honesty, integrity, loyalty, ambition and a quest for learning. We want people with the right behaviours and culture first – skills and abilities can always be taught and learned.