Kier Group plc (LON:KIE) has announced that Justin Atkinson will retire from the Kier Board as Senior Independent Director and a Non-Executive Director on 30 September 2024. Chris Browne OBE, who joined Kier as a Non-Executive Director in September 2022, will be appointed as the Senior Independent Director with effect from 1 October 2024. In addition, Stuart Togwell, Group Managing Director of Kier Group’s Construction business, will be appointed to the Board as an Executive Director with effect from 1 October 2024.
Stuart has been in the construction and development sector for over 37 years. He is a chartered surveyor who began his career as an apprentice surveyor with Wates Group, where he worked until 2019. Thereafter, he joined Kier’s Executive Committee as the Group Commercial Director. He became the Group Managing Director of the Construction business in December 2022.
Matthew Lester, Chairman of Kier Group said: “I would like to thank Justin for his nine years of service to Kier, initially as a Non-Executive Director and more recently as Senior Independent Director. Justin has made a significant contribution to Kier. He has provided excellent advice to me and the Board and played an important role in Kier’s successful turnaround. I wish him well in the future.”
“We are delighted to have Chris succeed Justin. With her senior leadership background across a number of companies, Chris has brought a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Board. As an experienced non-executive director, Chris is well equipped to take on the additional responsibilities of the Senior Independent Director role.”
“With the retirement of Justin, the Board would like to replace the deep knowledge and experience of the construction sector that he brought. In recognition of Stuart’s significant strategic and operational delivery experience in the construction sector, and his insights into UK government as it plans future infrastructure investment, the Board believes that having this direct insight will enhance our understanding of their priorities and our strategic decision making.”
