Kier reshuffles board as acquisition approaches

21st Jun 2013 12:43

Kier Group has appointed Steve Bowcott into the newly created role of Chief Operating Officer (COO). With the completion of its takeover of May Gurney Integrated Services inked in for July 8th, Kier has introduced the new role on the board to strengthen the group's operating processes across the enlarged group.Bowcott, currently Head Of Construction, will be responsible for the operational efficiency of both the construction and the services divisions within the enlarged group.Responsibility for the property division will be assumed by Group Finance Director Haydn Mursell in addition to his current responsibilities.As a result of this reshuffle, Executive Director for Development Ian Lawson has retired as a director from the board, upon which he has sat since 2005, but will remain available for three months to assist with May Gurney's integration.Chairman Phil White said: "The introduction of the COO role, together with clearly defined roles and responsibilities for each of the executive directors and an experienced senior management team, will enable the business to continue to deliver a strong trading performance which will, in turn, provide a sound platform for future growth."Shares in Kier were down 0.5% at 1,150p at 12:45 on Friday.OH