Nicholas Cumins takes over as Bentley Systems CEO

Nicholas Cumins, Bentley Systems newest CEO as of 1 July, 2024. (Image: Bentley Systems)

The move was first announced in March of this year.

Bentley Systems is a US-based software development company that specialises in services for the engineering, construction and infrastructure segments.

According to the company, Cumins is the first CEO not a member of the Bentley family.

Prior to becoming CEO, Cumins served as Bentley Systems’ chief operations officer from January 2022. He joined Bentley as chief product officer in September 2020. Previously he was general manager of SAP Marketing Cloud and served as chief product officer of Scytl, a platform for online voting, and as senior vice president of product with OpenX, a pioneer in programmatic advertising.

Cumins is a dual French and US citizen and is based in France.

Cumins believes Bentley software can combat labour squeeze

Part of Cumins’ vision for the company is providing modern software solutions for a construction and infrastructure sector that is navigating a skills shortage.

The company said, more than ever, “Engineering firms and asset owner-operators are looking to software to help them overcome the limitations of scarce talent.”

Cumins said Bentley has an opportunity to diminish that hardship with Bentley’s product offerings.

“Infrastructure is at a watershed moment. Despite the massive capital investment in infrastructure projects and jobs post pandemic, so much more remains to be done to make infrastructure more resilient,” said Cumins. “Our ability to bridge that gap will literally determine the quality of life for generations to come.”

Cumins said leaning into advanced tools will better position the industry.

“A paradigm shift in software is reshaping the landscape,” he said. “AI-powered digital twin solutions are unlocking the value of data across the infrastructure lifecycle.

“Every owner-operator in the world is looking for a simpler and more effective way to understand the condition of their assets. Think what the power and possibilities of AI imply for improving asset performance and making infrastructure more resilient. This is the moment for our generation to apply its ingenuity and build upon the legacy of innovation to continue advancing the world’s infrastructure for better quality of life.”

Schneider Electric ‘strategic transaction’ plans terminated

Back in April, France-based energy company Schneider Electric confirmed it was engaged in “stategic transaction” discussions with Bentley Systems. 

Neither Schneider nor Bentley broadcast the details of those negotiations. 

In May, however, Schneider said the discussion had mutally ended, with no transaction agreed upon.