Philip Hoare, Chief Operating Officer at AtkinsRéalis, has been chosen by the Board to succeed him and will join the group in September.

Hoare has built his 30-year career in the industry at consultant AtkinsRéalis first as CEO of Atkins in the UK and Europe, and then as President of the global Engineering Services business.

In January 2024 he was appointed Chief Operating Officer of the group to drive growth and performance across the company and lead a diverse portfolio of significant international projects.

Following Hoare’s appointment in September, Quinn will continue in an advisory capacity for several months to ensure a smooth transition.

Charles Allen, Balfour Beatty Group Chair, said: “I am delighted Philip will join the Group as Chief Executive. The selection process made clear that his depth of industry knowledge and his experience in delivering a profitable growth strategy across multiple geographies make him the ideal person to drive forward the Group’s success in our chosen markets.

“On behalf of the Board, I pay tribute to Leo for his exceptional and inspirational leadership of both Balfour Beatty and the industry over the last decade.

“Leo has transformed Balfour Beatty into a strong, resilient Group, setting it firmly on a trajectory of profitable growth. This is underpinned by a culture across its workforce which is committed to expertise, discipline and excellence, resulting in a trusted reputation for delivering value for all stakeholders.”

Quinn said: “It has been my great privilege to lead Balfour Beatty through over ten years of transformation into a focused and leading international infrastructure Group. I believe that our industry-leading safety performance, financial strength and strategic position in growth markets come from directly investing in outstanding people to ensure what is now an enviable 115-year heritage.”

Incoming Balfour Beatty Group Chief Executive Philip Hoare

Hoare said: “Balfour Beatty is a cornerstone of the construction and infrastructure industry with an exciting future. I will be incredibly proud to lead the Group in continuing to deliver exceptional infrastructure and services for its customers and communities, fantastic meaningful careers for colleagues and long-term value for its shareholders.”