Sir John Parker has announced he will be stepping down as Laing O’Rourke’s chair after eight years in the role.
He will be replaced by the company’s founder and deputy chair, Ray O’Rourke, on 1 April after he leaves at the end of the group’s financial year.
O’Rourke thanked Parker “for his steadfast stewardship and tireless commitment
which has been instrumental in bringing [the business’s] vision and purpose to life”.
“Testament to that commitment, Sir John has agreed to retain an ambassadorial role, which will ensure the company continues to benefit from his experience and wise counsel.”
“I am looking forward to working with my son, our group CEO, Cathal O’Rourke and our board members as we continue to implement our strategy to push the
boundaries of modern construction – which is the only way to change the nature of the work we do.”
Cathal O’Rourke commented: “Sir John has had an impressive career, and he is leaving an important legacy here at Laing O’Rourke. I am looking forward to working more closely with our founder, my father Ray O’Rourke, as he steps into this role as our chair.”
Parker said: “I am proud of my time as group chair of the Laing O’Rourke Corporation. I have always been struck by the high calibre of people who serve on the Laing O’Rourke board, on its executive committees and those people who deliver its projects across the UK, Middle East and Australia.
“I have every confidence that Laing O’Rourke will continue to build on its recent successes and achieve its goal to transform the business and the wider sector for future generations.”
