Page 24 - BENTLEY SYSTEMS PR REPORT - MARCH 2024

A legacy built on 40 years of trust -

learnings from Greg Bentley as he steps

down as CEO of Bentley Systems

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By George Lawton March 25, 2024
Dyslexia mode
SUMMARY:
Bentley Systems CEO Greg Bentley discusses the lessons he learned from
growing a scrappy startup in the 1980s with his four brothers into one of the
world’s largest engineering tools vendors. A key ingredient was growing trust
across the company, partners, and the community.

Greg Bentley and his brothers pioneered what became known as digital twin tools for
physical infrastructure in 1984. They grew their company, Bentley Systems, into a $15
billion market cap with $1.2 billion annual revenues. At 69, he is the oldest of the
Bentley brothers and the last to retire, a decision that was announced last week. He is
leaving the company behind in the capable hands of current COO Nicholas Cumins as
of 1 July.

Although the company is headquartered in Exton, Pennsylvania, Bentley has spent
much of his career in the UK, citing its unique strengths and opportunities. In a general
session on the opening of their new UK headquarters, he said:

Can you imagine another place in the world that would be such a crossroads as we are
here and now for thought leadership in the world in infrastructure? That's why we chose
this venue for the announcement.

In particular, the UK has pioneered digital twins in the construction industry. Its
engineering community has played a seminal role in BIM standards for connecting a
golden thread across the lifecycle of building and infrastructure projects. Bentley
recounted the most memorable description of the purpose of a digital twin from a
Helsinki team who said it was to save each resident a half hour a day. Later, he was
struck by proposals for the new Bank Station terminal that were assessed based on the
value of the time savings for the residents commuting and working in London.

Another thing that impressed Bentley about the UK is the willingness of large customers
to work with small ones, developing innovative new tools. For example, his first
company of three people could sell their derivatives tools to big banks. This would not
have been possible in the US. He explained:

https://diginomica.com/legacy-built-40-years-trust-learnings-greg-bentley-he-steps-down-ceo-
bentley-systems