Loxton joins from management consultant McKinsey & Company where she spent more than a decade advising major industrial and infrastructure businesses on strategy, transformation and growth.

She was a partner at McKinsey, most recently leading the UK Advanced Industries and Transport & Infrastructure practices.

Earlier in her career, Loxton was a Senior Policy Advisor in the UK Government’s Prime Minister’s Strategy Unit.

Loxton will report directly to Group Chief Executive Philip Hoare and will lead Balfour Beatty’s strategy function when she joins in October.

Hoare said: “Emma is a proven strategy and transformation leader with a strong track record of helping complex organisations sharpen performance, strengthen competitiveness and deliver lasting change.

“Her insight, energy and commercial focus will be invaluable as we continue to execute our strategy, progress Evolve, Energise, Explore and capture the opportunities created by strong demand for complex, critical infrastructure across our chosen markets. I am delighted to welcome her to Balfour Beatty.”

Loxton said: “Balfour Beatty is an industry leader with exceptional people, distinctive capabilities and a vital role delivering the infrastructure we all depend on.

“The Group is well positioned for its next phase of profitable growth, with strong positions in attractive markets and a clear ambition for the future. I am excited to join Philip and the leadership team, and to work with colleagues across Balfour Beatty to help deliver this next chapter.”