Philip Hoare has today (8 September) joined Balfour Beatty as new group chief executive.

Earlier this year the infrastructure group announced Hoare’s appointment with Leo Quinn stepping down from the board in September after more than 10 years as group chief executive.

A civil engineer, Hoare was previously chief operating officer at AtkinsRéalis.

“I am honoured to lead Balfour Beatty in its next chapter,” he said. “The financial and operational strengths of the group - including market-leading capabilities in core growth markets - place us in a strong position for the future.

“With significant opportunities ahead and a talented team in an industry that is rapidly evolving, I am energised by both the challenge and the responsibility. I look forward to listening, learning, and leading as we take the next steps forward, together.”

Hoare was fundamental to the growth and performance of AtkinsRéalis, first as CEO of Atkins in the UK and Europe, then as president of the global Engineering Services business and finally as chief operating officer of the group.

Balfour Beatty group chair, Charles Allen, said: “On behalf of the board, I am delighted to welcome Philip Hoare as group chief executive. Philip brings with him a wealth of experience and a proven track record of leadership across the global infrastructure and engineering sectors.

“As Balfour Beatty enters its next chapter, we are confident that under Philip’s leadership, the group will continue to build on the strong foundations laid over the past decade and drive forward sustainable, long-term growth.”

In the first half of 2025, Balfour Beatty recorded growth across its earnings-based businesses, reaffirming its expectations for increased profit from operations for both 2025 and 2026.

The company now holds a record £19.5bn order book - with significantly improved terms - and is supported by an additional £20bn pipeline in key growth areas such as UK energy, defence and transport and US buildings.