Kier Group plc (LON:KIE) announced that it had recently begun an efficiency and streamlining programme – “Future Proofing Kier”. Good progress has been made to date in identifying potential cost savings; further information about the programme will be provided when Kier announces its 2018 financial year results on 20 September 2018.
The appointment of a Chief Operating Officer has been identified as being key to Kier delivering the programme’s objectives. The Company therefore announces that Claudio Veritiero, currently its Strategy and Corporate Development Director, has been appointed to the role of Chief Operating Officer with immediate effect.
Mr. Veritiero, aged 44, joined Kier in 2011 as the Managing Director of the Services division. Prior to joining Kier, he was the Chief Operating Officer of Speedy Hire plc, having spent his early career with the investment banking business of Rothschild. He was appointed to his current role and to Kier’s board of directors (“the Board”) with effect from 6 March 2015.
In light of this appointment, Nigel Brook (Executive Director – Construction and Infrastructure Services) and Nigel Turner (Executive Director – Developments and Property Services) will stand down from the Board and leave the business with immediate effect.
Commenting on the changes to the Board, Philip Cox, Chairman of Kier, said: “Claudio has a strong record of managing operational performance and has acquired an in-depth knowledge of Kier, and its markets, during his time with the business. I very much look forward to working with Claudio in his new role.”
“Nigel Brook and Nigel Turner will be leaving the Board after, respectively, 10 and 21 years’ service with Kier. Each has made a significant contribution to the business and the Board; under Nigel Brook’s leadership, our Construction and Infrastructure Services division has continued to perform well in a challenging market environment and Nigel Turner has, in particular, played a significant role in the Property business’ growth. I would like to thank each of them for their hard work and contributions and we wish them well for the future.”
