Laing O’Rourke continues to see the automotive sector as an inspiration for improved construction productivity. It has turned to Volvo’s performance brand to source a new head of technology.
Laing O’Rourke has recruited Chetan Kotur as its head of technology and innovation for its Europe Hub. Kotur has spent his career in the automotive sector, working for Volvo and its performance brand Polestar, most recently as head of products for Asia-Pacific. He secured the Young Engineer of the Year title in 2018 from the Royal Academy of Engineering.
Kotur started at Laing O’Rourke today (28 November). He will work alongside his predecessor, Dr Chris Millard, in a phased handover of the technology and innovation team.
Dr Millard will remain with the business focusing on specific projects. After working for the likes of BMW and Rover for 20 years, he joined BAA as head of engineering on Terminal 5 in 2004. He ultimately joined Laing O’Rourke in 2016.
Dr Millard said: “I am delighted to welcome Chetan to Laing O’Rourke. He is an outstanding engineer with tremendous knowledge and experience of the automotive sector, from which we can learn so much as we continue to develop technologies that accelerate the transformation of construction into a modern, technology-based sector.”
Advanced manufacturing
Kotur said: “I was inspired by Laing O’Rourke’s vision of construction and its desire to apply learnings from other sectors, like automotive and aerospace, to change how construction delivers.
“I believe there is great opportunity to harness new technology and innovations to make advanced manufacturing the norm in construction, and by doing so boost productivity, enable greener building and make a career in construction more attractive to a wider group of people. I can’t wait to meet the team, visit the amazing projects and get started.”
Chief executive Ray O’Rourke added: “I am excited Chetan shares our vision and has opted to swap the automotive sector for construction. I remain convinced automotive is one of the sectors we can learn a great deal from as we continue to find ways to push the boundaries of what’s possible in service of humanity, and to lead the industry.”
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