Baker (pictured above) will join Laing O’Rourke in September to succeed current group finance director, Stewart McIntyre, who steered Laing O’Rourke through its recent financial troubles.
McIntyre will retire from full-time roles with the group in March 2021.
He will oversee a gradual handover and will remain responsible for finalisation of the 2019-20 group accounts and audit, and remain as an adviser to March 2022.
Rowan, who joined McCarthy & Stone in 2012, played a key role in the retirement builder’s IPO.
She also developed and delivered its new strategy, as well as driving several transformation initiatives.
Prior to this, she worked in finance for Barclays Bank and professional services for PwC. She has a masters degree in Law from Cambridge University and is a qualified accountant and chartered tax adviser.
Baker said: “I am thrilled and excited to be joining Laing O’Rourke.
“I am impressed by its swift actions to build resilience during the current COVID-19 crisis and remain focused on the significant opportunities on the horizon, in both the private and public sector.
“I believe its pioneering focus on modern methods of construction, digital engineering and its direct delivery model via its own construction workforce, position it well to win new business in a sector set for change.”
Laing O’Rourke CEO, Ray O’Rourke, said: “I am delighted Rowan will be joining us in this critical leadership role.
“While it is a time of extreme turbulence in our economy and wider society, and we are working hard to ensure we emerge strongly from the COVID-19 crisis, it is important we remain focused on our longer-term objectives and success.
“There are significant opportunities and exciting times ahead of us and Rowan’s finance and leadership expertise will help us maximise these and continue our transformation.”
O’Rourke added: “I would like to thank Stewart for his friendship and leadership over the past six years. He has steered the company through its turnaround programme and refinancing, enabling us to focus on transforming the business for future success. I am pleased the Board will continue to have access to his considerable knowledge and expertise.”
