Balfour Beatty has made a significant leadership change by appointing Nick Crossfield as its new head of construction.
- Crossfield joins Balfour Beatty from Alstom Transportation, bringing a wealth of experience in infrastructure markets.
- He succeeds Mark Bullock, who retired after a tenure of three years as chief executive of Construction Services.
- Crossfield will spearhead Balfour Beatty’s expansion in infrastructure, focusing on energy, defence, and sustainable transportation.
- The UK Construction Services division remains pivotal, contributing a substantial portion of Balfour Beatty’s revenue.
Balfour Beatty has embarked on a strategic leadership transition with the appointment of Nick Crossfield as the new chief executive of its Construction Services division. This move marks a pivotal moment, as Crossfield steps into the shoes of Mark Bullock, who has retired after a commendable three-year service. Crossfield’s appointment is expected to bolster Balfour Beatty’s efforts in expanding its construction capabilities, with particular attention to the burgeoning infrastructure sector.
Crossfield brings extensive expertise from his previous roles, having most recently served as managing director for Alstom Transportation in the UK and Ireland. His career, spanning four decades, includes significant tenures at British Steel, Network Rail, and Siemens, equipping him with the insights and acumen needed to navigate complex regulatory environments and drive operational improvements at Balfour Beatty.
Under Crossfield’s stewardship, Balfour Beatty aims to enhance its foothold in the energy, defence, and sustainable transportation markets. In a statement, group chief executive Leo Quinn highlighted Crossfield’s track record of delivering sustainable growth and managing large enterprises. Quinn remarked on Crossfield’s adeptness at working with government bodies on industry matters, which positions him favourably for his new role.
The importance of the Construction Services division to Balfour Beatty’s overall performance cannot be overstated. In 2023, this division generated £8.1 billion of the firm’s total £9.6 billion revenue, underscoring its crucial role in the company’s success. Crossfield’s experience aligns with the company’s strategic objectives, as Balfour Beatty seeks to leverage upcoming public infrastructure investments and adapt its contracting approach to enhance margins.
Reflecting on his new position, Crossfield expressed his enthusiasm for contributing to Balfour Beatty’s continued successes in both national and local projects across the UK. His vision includes not just maintaining but also elevating the company’s service delivery to meet future demands. Leo Quinn, in a recent podcast, emphasised the growth potential inherent in the company’s evolving operational strategies, indicating a promising trajectory under Crossfield’s leadership.
Nick Crossfield’s appointment signals a strategic focus on growth and innovation within Balfour Beatty’s core construction sectors.
