Mark Cholmondeley - CEO of Libellum
As CEO of Libellum, Mark has grown and shpaed the Teesside-based company into a respected name across engineering inspection, asset integrity, quality solutions and non-destructive testing (NDT). But while the business continues to expand, those who know Mark will tell you he is still very much the same person he has always been straight-talking, grounded, fiercely loyal, and usually happiest either around engineering projects, rugby, or family life.
And occasionally all three at once.
From Rugby Pitches to Ultrasonic Inspection and ISO 9001/1090
Long before boardrooms and business growth plans became part of daily life, rugby played a major role in shaping Mark’s mentality.
Rugby was never just a weekend hobby for Mark either. Some years (and stones ago), he earned honours with England, North of England and Durham County, alongside spending time with West Hartlepool RFC in the Premiership — proving long before Libellum that he was already comfortable operating under pressure, dealing with big hits, and surviving difficult environments… which, coincidentally, also describes most off and on shore shutdowns.
Away from business, Mark has also dedicated years to coaching at West Hartlepool RFC, working with players from Under-5s through to Under-18s — passing on the same values of teamwork, discipline, resilience, and respect that have shaped both his rugby and professional career.
Anyone who has spent years in rugby understands the lessons it teaches. You learn quickly that teamwork matters more than ego, discipline matters more than noise, and sometimes the best results come from doing the hard jobs nobody else wants to do.
Which, coincidentally, is also a pretty accurate description of a career in NDT.
Mark’s background is deeply rooted in engineering inspection and non-destructive testing, with years of experience across oil and gas, offshore energy, fabrication, welding inspection, and industrial quality assurance projects throughout the UK and Europe.
For those outside the industry, NDT is essentially the art of finding problems before they become catastrophes — a bit like being the only sober person trying to explain to a front row forward why climbing a fence after a rugby social is a terrible idea.
It is technical, demanding work that requires patience, attention to detail, and the ability to stay composed under pressure. Traits that colleagues say Mark has carried naturally throughout his career.
Building Libellum the Teesside Way
Founded in Teesside, Libellum reflects both Mark’s professional background and his connection to the Northeast’s industrial roots.
The company has built its reputation by focusing on practical engineering support, technical credibility, and reliability rather than corporate buzzwords and glossy presentations full of stock photos of people in spotless hard hats.
Clients across oil and gas, renewable energy, heavy engineering, and fabrication industries trust Libellum because the people behind it understand the realities of the work. They know that safety, compliance, and integrity are not just phrases for a website banner — they are the difference between projects running smoothly and very expensive phone calls.
Under Mark’s leadership, Libellum has continued to grow across inspection, quality, testing, and asset integrity services while maintaining a culture that people describe as approachable, hardworking, and team-focused.
Much like a rugby dressing room, minus the smell of Deep Heat and questionable singing.
Leadership Without the Big Ego
One thing people often mention about Mark is that he leads without needing to be the loudest person in the room.
There is a rugby mentality to that too.
The best captains are not always the ones shouting the most. Often they are the people setting standards quietly, staying dependable under pressure, and making sure the team around them performs at its best.
That same mindset appears throughout Libellum’s growth.
Mark has built a business focused not only on technical excellence but also on trust, long-term relationships, and supporting the people around him. Colleagues regularly describe him as approachable and dependable — someone who values loyalty and hard work above titles or appearances.
Proud of His Roots
Teesside has a long history built on engineering, industry, resilience, and communities that know the value of hard work.
That identity runs strongly through both Mark and Libellum.
Rather than chasing a polished corporate image disconnected from reality, the business has embraced its reputation as a company built by industry people, for industry people.
There is authenticity in that approach, and clients seem to recognise it.
Because at the end of the day, most people would rather trust someone who has spent years on offshore sites and fabrication yards than someone whose closest experience to engineering is a motivational LinkedIn post about “synergy.”
Family Still Comes First
Despite leading a growing company, family remains central to Mark’s life.
Friends and colleagues say the same loyalty and commitment he brings to business are equally present in his personal life. For Mark, success has never simply been about contracts or growth figures. It is about building something meaningful, supporting local industry, supporting local causes, and creating something his family and team can genuinely be proud of.
That mindset continues to shape Libellum today.
Looking Ahead
As Libellum continues to expand across engineering inspection, testing, quality and asset integrity services, the company’s future looks strong.
But while the business grows, the foundations remain the same: hard work, teamwork, trust, resilience, family and doing things properly the first time.
Very much like rugby.
Although thankfully with fewer ice baths and slightly less mud.
