Carillion boosted by earlier than expected arrival of new chief executive

Andrew Davies

Carillion has received some welcome news with the announcement that its chief executive designate can start his new role sooner than anticipated.

The embattled company announced in October that Andrew Davies would assume his new role from April 2, 2018.

In an update to the markets, the Wolverhampton-based group said Mr Davies had been released from his contract with the Wates Group so that he could take the helm of Carillion as from January 22, 2018.

Mr Davies was appointed to the role of chief executive of Wates Group in 2014. Prior to that he held a series of senior roles with BAE Systems over a 28-year period. He is currently a non-executive director of Chemring Group.

Carillion said he brought executive, strategic, turnaround and leadership skills to the company, as well as experience of complex public sector contracting in projects, support services and construction.

On Mr Davies’ arrival with the business, Keith Cochrane will step down from his role as interim CEO and from the board, although he will remain with Carillion in an advisory capacity for an unspecified period thereafter in order to ensure an orderly transition.

Philip Green, chairman of Carillion, said: “We are very grateful to the board of Wates Group, and to James Wates, their chairman, for their facilitation of Andrew’s earlier appointment. It is a demonstration of how the sector is willing to cooperate and collaborate to ensure the long term sustainability of UK industry.

“As I said when we announced his appointment, Andrew has the ideal combination of commerciality, operational expertise and relevant sector experience to build on the conclusions of the strategic review and to lead the on-going transformation of the business, and I look forward to his bringing that experience and expertise to Carillion in the New Year.”

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