Former Wates boss becomes Kier chief executive

Andrew Davies

Kier Group has appointed former Wates CEO Andrew Davies as its new chief executive.

Davies was chief executive of Kier from 2014 until 2018 and in October 2017 was announced as chief executive of Carillion. However, he never took up the role because Carillion became insolvent in January 2018.

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Prior to leading Wates, Davies spent over 28 years with BAE Systems, latterly as managing director of the maritime division. He is also a non-executive director of Chemring Group. 

Philip Cox, currently executive chairman of Kier, will resume his previous role as non-executive chairman from 15 April. He said: "Andrew has a strong track record of business leadership and his operational experience across a number of sectors, combined with his strategic approach, make him an excellent fit for Kier. On behalf of the board, I would like to welcome Andrew to the Group and I look forward to working with him." 

Andrew Davies said: "I am delighted to be joining Kier as chief executive. Kier has established market-leading positions through developing long-term client relationships and delivering excellent client service. I look forward to leading Kier in consolidating those positions and to bringing a renewed focus on simplifying the Group, improving cashflow generation and reducing net debt, whilst maintaining the Group’s disciplined approach to risk management."