BAE’s Davies hired to lead Wates

CONSTRUCTION group Wates has appointed a BAE Systems executive as its new chief executive.

The Altrincham-based business has hired Andrew Davies, managing director of BAE Systems’ maritime business.

He will take over in January following Paul Drechsler’s decision to step down after nearly 10 years.

Prior to joining BAE’s £2bn turnover maritime business, Mr Davies was a member of the BAE Systems’ executive committee, and managing director of land systems.

Wates’s chairman James Wates said: “Andrew joins our company at a very exciting time as the construction industry begins to see some positive signs of recovery from this prolonged recession.

“The company is performing well and we are on track to deliver our projected turnover and objectives for 2013. We will also finish the year with a significantly improved order book providing strong prospects for growth in 2014.”