Kier names Togwell as new CEO
Stuart Togwell will take the reins at the construction company after current chief executive Andrew Davies retires at the end of October.
Togwell has more than 38 years of experience in construction, having started as an apprentice surveyor with Wates. He joined Kier in 2019 as a group commercial director. Togwell was promoted to group managing director of the construction division in January 2023. In October 2024, he took on the additional role of executive director of the Salford-headquartered company’s board.
Matthew Lester, chairman of the Kier board, praised Togwell’s appointment.
“Stuart has played a pivotal role in Kier’s transformation and the board is confident that his skill set is ideally suited to leading Kier through the next chapter of its development and to deliver long-term sustainable growth,” he said.
Togwell stated: “I am honoured to be appointed as the next chief executive and look forward to working with Kier’s exceptional teams to drive success and growth and deliver for our customers, our communities and this industry that I am so passionate about.”
Togwell will have big shoes to fill. Davies has been chief executive of Kier for six years and leaves the company with a record order book of more than £11bn and a net cash position of £204m, according to a trading update for the year ending 30 June. The group is at work on a number of high-profile schemes, including the £54m University of Salford health campus and the first phase of Manchester City Council’s £500m Wythenshawe regeneration plan.
Lester described Davies’ has providing “exceptional leadership” at Kier.
“Furthermore, during his tenure, Kier returned to the FTSE250 and recommenced dividend payments and has built a culture based on safety, delivery, discipline and performance excellence,” Lester said of Davies.
“Andrew and his management team set out a clear strategy, purpose and vision for the group, initially to deliver its medium-term value creation plan and latterly to deliver long-term sustainable growth – and with invigorated and motivated colleagues, Kier is realising this ambition.
“On behalf of the board and all his colleagues, I wish him the very best in everything he does.”
Reflecting on his time at Kier, Davies said: “It has been an absolute privilege to lead Kier and to transform the group into a strong and sustainable business that benefits all stakeholders.
“I want to thank all the colleagues for their support, hard work and commitment over the last six years in building the foundations to ensure Kier remains a leading infrastructure services, construction and property company that is vital to the UK and is better placed than ever to succeed.”
The morning after the chief executive succession announcement, Kier’s stock price had dropped two points from 200 GBX to 197.8 GBX.
