John Armitt, chair of the ODA, receives a knighthood for services to engineering and construction, the highest recognition among construction luminaries in the New Year Honours list.
His construction director at the ODA, Howard Shiplee, was also recognised with a CBE for services to construction.
Sir John spent 27 years at John Laing, notably as director of civil engineering. He also was chief executive of Costain and Railtrack before leaving to steer the Olympic building programme.
He said: “I have been privileged during my career to be supported by many people with whom I share this honour to our industry. I am especially proud of what the industry has achieved in building the Olympic Park.
“That we have been able to keep this project on time and within budget is down to the hard work of the ODA team, our delivery partner and other organisations involved in the delivery of the Games. None of this would have been possible without the knowledge and expertise of the engineering and construction team – from workforce to management.”
Another CBE went to James Wates, deputy chairman of Wates and Chairman of CITB – Construction Skills for his contribution to construction and the charitable sector. Ruby McGregor-Smith, chief executive of services contractor Mitie, also gets a CBE.
From the world of architecture, John McAslan, executive chair and founder, John McAslan & Partners also receives a CBE.
Other honours
OBE
Graham Manly, business development director, Gratte Brothers for services to the building services sector.
Neil Bruce, executive director and chief operating officer, AMEC for services to engineering.
Professor Thomas Foulkes, past director general, Institution of Civil Engineers for services to engineering.
MBE
David Harris, divisional managing director, Cowlin Construction for services to education and training in the construction industry.
Paul Arnold, senior project manager, Highways Agency.
Mark Bew, board director, URS Scott Wilson (Worldwide) for services to the construction sector.
Keith Lambourne, Director of Export, ACO Group for services to construction exports.
Jayne Law, UK and Ireland sales manager, DOW Building Solutions for services to the insulation industry.
Ms Faith Wainwright, Arup director, for services to the Built Environment and Engineering Professions.
