David Morvant has worked as a Senior Executive manager in renewable energy, infrastructure, and industry (photovoltaic solar power plant, energy efficiency, transmission lines, fiber optic networks, electricity, and instrumentation). Morvant’s successful experiences within the Engie and Bouygues groups led him to develop dual competence in operational project management and business development, eventually giving rise to his current position as CEO at Equans North America company Unity Electric. He has exercised and strengthened a mastery of contract management, the project management EPCC of solar power plants and energy infrastructures, the management of multidisciplinary and multicultural teams, and the management of operational units.
Appreciated by clients and employees, the markets in which Morvant’s references may be relevant include renewable energy, energy transition, telecoms, oil & gas, production, transport, distribution, and infrastructure projects. In a highly competitive market environment today, Morvant appreciates the challenges that allow him to highlight his technical and commercial skills and qualities as a manager to a committed and positive team.
1 What do you foresee UNITY Electric’s role in projects at the New York Area Airports?
David Morvant: UNITY Electric has built a strong reputation at the New York Area Airports over the past 30 years, participating in the original builds and expansions of JFK’s Terminals 4, 5 & 8 and participating in the New Terminal C project at LaGuardia. In late 2023, UNITY formed the Airport Solutions Group to coordinate all activities in the airport market. We are hopeful that we will have the opportunity to participate in the ongoing JFK Airport redevelopment projects, including the new Terminals 1 & 6, the continued renewal work at Terminals 4 & 8, and the new cargo facilities being constructed at the airports. In addition, UNITY will undertake a renewed focus in 2024 with electrical facilities upgrade and critical systems maintenance work, as well as decarbonization projects at all of the airports for years to come. UNITY has also made a firm commitment to be an airport leader and advocate for MWBE initiatives and community outreach at the airports.
2 What trends have you noticed in using electric power as a form of alternative energy?
David Morvant: The world is becoming more and more electric. In New York City, the new headquarters of JP Morgan Chase is a fully electric building. This shift requires rethinking all grid and power generation sources. We see more alternative energy sources like solar PV panels on rooftops and full electric heat pumps. We also have to be prepared to accompany all those changes with digital solutions beyond the classic Building Management System (BMS). The trend is to overlay a data management system bringing transversality between the different services and assets management team, and standardization as well access to the performances data.
3 Is UNITY Electric involved in projects beyond the Airports?
David Morvant: Yes, UNITY Electric is a respected and qualified electrical contractor in New York and New Jersey since 1974. Our client-oriented organization helps industry leaders with electrical and energy services projects. From Class A commercial real estate to trading floors and data centers to solar projects and green buildings, UNITY gets the job done. Today, more than ever, UNITY is your partner to imagine, develop, and deliver your projects, providing valued engineering, highly skilled project managers, and innovative operational processes such as prefab or lean scheduling on our job sites. We guarantee reliability and accountability for our clients on all of our projects, and that is why UNITY is the electrical contractor that clients want to do the job with!
4 Tell us about UNITY’s parent company, Equans, and what services it provides to complement UNITY Electric as an airport specialty contractor.
David Morvant: UNITY is proud to be a part of Equans, a global leader in MEP projects and Technical services generating $18b revenue worldwide. In North America, Equans has 14 subsidiaries with over 7,500 employees and USD $2.3 billion in annual revenue. The airport market is a major focus for Equans firms, maintaining a presence at over 150 airports worldwide. Together, UNITY & Equans will now be able to offer our airport clients in the New York/New Jersey markets turnkey solutions for specialized airport scopes such as airfield lighting, decarbonization projects, terminal gate infrastructure, and baggage handling system installation, maintenance, and management.
5 What insights do you have about the New York construction market following your first year as CEO of UNITY Electric?
David Morvant: First, I’m very happy to be in New York, where, over the past year, I’ve met many talented and wonderful people within UNITY, as well as EQUANS sister companies, and among our customers. The New York City construction market is very dynamic but has been suffering in recent years due to a sharp decrease in the number of permits for new buildings and lower investment, making competition fierce. Despite this, UNITY remains a major electrical contractor, involved in complex and iconic projects, and is proud to reshape the city. 2025 is gearing up to hopefully be a positive year to see a turnaround with some nice projects, especially at the Airports and in the Entertainment sector.
