Steve Hollingshead has over 35 years of experience of delivering major global infrastructure projects.

He began his career with Taylor Woodrow Construction before joining O’Rourke in 1989.

Hollingshead became Construction Director of the firm in 1991 and played a key role in O’Rourke Group’s acquisition of Laing Construction in October 2001 before being appointed as Managing Director of Laing O’Rourke London and South East.

In 2010 he moved to Brisbane as CEO of the Australia Hub before returning to the UK in 2013 as Group Human Capital Director.

Hollingshead parted company with O’Rourke last december.

As Construction Director with Tidal Lagoon Power he will have responsibility for the delivery of Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon.

Mark Shorrock, Chief Executive said: “With the public examination process now underway in Swansea, our focus is on developing the team that will lead the construction of Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon and subsequent lagoons that together will generate up to 10% of the UK’s electricity requirements.

“Steve has a fantastic track record both here in the UK and throughout the world. His appointment is a reflection of our commitment to recruiting and retaining the very best people to lead this new industry for the UK.”

Hollingshead added: “Given the significant forecast reduction in the UK’s capacity to meet demand for electricity from the end of 2015, I believe that now is the right time for the UK to consider harnessing one of our major natural resources, the sea.

“Tidal lagoons make economic, environmental and social sense by offering renewable energy at nuclear scale.

“I am delighted to be a part of the Tidal Lagoon Power team and share the vision for the roll-out of tidal lagoon infrastructure, in the UK and worldwide.”