Following an international search, AtkinsRéalis COO Philip Hoare has been chosen as his successor.

As a civil engineer, Philip has spent over 30 years in the industry at AtkinsRéalis. His roles at the firm have included CEO of UK and Europe, president and finally COO - a role he has held since January 2024.

Philip will join Balfour Beatty in September this year, whereupon Leo will stay on in an advisory capacity for several months for transition purposes.

Balfour Beatty group chair Charles Allen CBE - who is also Lord Allen of Kensington - said he was “delighted” with Philip’s appointment.

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“The selection process made clear that his depth of industry knowledge and his experience in delivering a profitable growth strategy across multiple geographies make him the ideal person to drive forward the group's success in our chosen markets,” said Charles.

 "On behalf of the board, I pay tribute to Leo for his exceptional and inspirational leadership of both Balfour Beatty and the industry over the last decade.”

Leo added: "It has been my great privilege to lead Balfour Beatty through over ten years of transformation into a focused and leading international infrastructure group.

“I believe that our industry-leading safety performance, financial strength and strategic position in growth markets come from directly investing in outstanding people to ensure what is now an enviable 115-year heritage."