Over the past two years, Lilley has created a new health, safety and wellbeing strategy and overseen a strong improvement in the Group’s safety performance.

He has also played a leading role in the design and roll out of a culture programme across Kier, as well as developing its evolved sustainability framework.

(l-r) Chris Lilley and James Martin promoted

Project director for Eiffage Kier Ferrovial BAM Nuttall (EKFB) on HS2, James Martin is promoted to take the vacated role of health, safety, wellbeing & sustainability director and head of the group’s Responsible Business team.

Martin joined Kier on the group’s graduate programme in 1999 and has gone on to work on some of largest and most high-profile infrastructure projects, including Crossrail, Sellafield, Hinkley Point C and the channel tunnel.

Andrew Davies, chief executive of Kier, said: “These latest appointments support Kier’s strong focus on both its growth and responsible business agendas and I am delighted that, once again, we have been able to recruit from within our organisation.

“This demonstrates the breadth, depth and diversity of talent we have within the Group and is a fantastic example of succession planning in action at Kier. I wish James and Chris every success in their new roles.”