Gemma Shahjahan

Gemma joined William Birch in 2010 and was appointed to the Board of Directors in 2016. With over 20 years’ experience across national and regional construction businesses, she brings a strong customer and market-focused perspective to the company’s strategic direction.

Prior to joining William Birch, Gemma held a senior national customer leadership role within a large PLC and previously worked with a regional contractor, where she gained her CIM Diploma in Marketing. This combination of commercial, marketing and operational exposure underpins her strategic approach to business development and client engagement.

As a Board Director, Gemma leads the company’s customer strategy, overseeing preconstruction activity, framework positioning and market development. She plays a central role in shaping long-term client relationships, securing framework appointments and aligning the business with sectors that support sustainable growth. Her focus is on early engagement, collaborative procurement routes and strengthening the company’s reputation for quality and reliability.

Alongside her external role, Gemma is passionate about fostering a positive and supportive culture within the business. She takes an active interest in employee engagement and wellbeing and is a trained Mental Health First Aider, helping to promote open conversations and support colleagues across the organisation.

A graduate of the University of York, Gemma lives in North Yorkshire with her family (and a cat and dog).