Key personnel changes have marked the construction industry this week.
- Rowan Baker leaves Laing O’Rourke for Essentra Plc as new CFO.
- Lance Gudger is promoted to director at O’Brien Contractors.
- Lyndon Marfell becomes group managing director at Castellum.
- Will Barnett joins Aecom to lead environment, water, and energy division.
Prominent changes within major construction firms have shaped this week’s industry landscape. Rowan Baker, a noteworthy figure from Laing O’Rourke, is set to transition to a leading role at Essentra Plc. With a start date of 5 November, Baker moves from her position as CFO at Laing O’Rourke, where she has been since 2020, to assume the same title at the FTSE 100 plastic products manufacturer. Paul Teasdale, presently the deputy CFO and finance director for Laing O’Rourke’s Australian operations, is set to fill her shoes.
In a strategic move that underscores internal growth, Midlands-based O’Brien Contractors has elevated Lance Gudger to the position of director. Previously serving as the commercial and operations manager, Gudger’s promotion is seen as a strengthening of O’Brien’s senior management team. Managing Director, Peter O’Brien, commented on the alignment of this promotion with the company’s focus on nurturing talent and ensuring succession planning.
Lyndon Marfell has taken on the role of group managing director at Castellum, a residential contractor intent on driving retrofit work. Coming from Walter Lilly, where he accumulated three years of experience, Marfell is expected to leverage Castellum’s operations across London, Surrey, and the Cotswolds to spearhead future growth.
Aecom, a notable player in infrastructure and consulting, has appointed Will Barnett to direct its environment, water, and energy unit across the UK and Ireland. Barnett’s rich 25-year history in the UK’s regulated water industry positions him well for this expansive role, which encompasses leading a 700-strong team and preparing for the upcoming AMP8 regulatory period from 2025 to 2030. His previous tenures include significant roles at Jacobs, Thames Water, and Arcadis.
Mona Sihota’s appointment as the new president of the Permanent Way Institution affirms her expertise and leadership within rail infrastructure. Since 2016, she has led important projects at Network Rail, focusing on design, construction, and asset management. Sihota emphasizes the critical nature of collaboration and innovation in advancing a more sustainable railway network.
As Kier Group announces its business results, it is also set to witness the retirement of Justin Atkinson as senior independent director at the end of the month. His position will be divided, with Chris Browne assuming the role of senior independent director and Stuart Togwell appointed as executive director. Atkinson’s career, beginning as a chartered surveyor, spans 37 years, with significant contributions to Kier’s successful turnaround, noted by Chairman Matthew Lester.
These high-level appointments reflect strategic alignments towards growth and sustainability in the construction sector.
