Kier has appointed Niki Steel as chief human resources officer and a member of its executive committee, as the contractor continues to strengthen its senior leadership team following a series of strategic changes to support future growth.
Steel will join the infrastructure services, construction and property group in August from engineering company IMI, where she has served as chief people officer for sector operations. She succeeds Louisa Finlay, who earlier this year moved into the newly created role of group chief operating officer.
The appointment comes as Kier continues to reshape its executive leadership structure following the merger of two business divisions into a single infrastructure operation led by Joe Incutti. The changes are intended to support the group’s next phase of growth and operational performance.
Steel will be responsible for leading Kier’s people strategy across its workforce of around 10,000 employees, with a particular focus on performance, talent development and organisational capability.
Her arrival follows several senior leadership changes across the business, including the appointment of James Askew as group commercial director at the start of the year.
Chief executive Stuart Togwell said Steel’s experience would help support the company’s growth ambitions.
“Niki is a fantastic addition to Kier and our executive committee,” he said. “She is a highly experienced HR and operational leader, with a strong track record of driving performance across organisations in both the UK and across the globe.
“Her warm, energetic leadership style will play an important role in supporting all of our people and growth ambitions.”
Steel joins Kier after more than two decades in senior HR, operational and customer-facing roles across engineering, technology, education and media businesses, including positions with IMI, Pearson and Dyson.
Focus on workforce development
The appointment also reflects the increasing prominence of workforce, skills and talent issues within the construction sector, as major contractors seek to address labour shortages while improving productivity and retention.
Kier has placed significant emphasis on workforce development in recent years, investing in professional development programmes, qualifications and employee engagement initiatives. The company was recently recognised by Glassdoor as one of the UK’s best places to work.
The contractor has also developed several social value employment programmes, including its Making Ground initiative, which supports employment opportunities for serving prisoners and prison leavers, alongside longstanding programmes supporting members of the armed forces community.
Steel will take up her position on 10 August.
