Kier has appointed Martin Staehr as its new group managing director for its construction business.
Staehr is a chartered civil engineer and fellow of the Institute of Civil Engineering.
He joins Kier after 17 years at Laing O’Rourke, most recently as a delivery director on the European Hub Executive Committee.
His experience covers MEP manufacturing facilities, regional buildings and major projects in the justice, defence, health, science and education sectors.
Staehr will join the group executive committee in January 2026 and take charge of the regional build, strategic projects, Kier Places and KME teams.
He will oversee an order book of £4.5bn and around 200 live projects at any one time across England, Scotland and Wales.
Current group managing director for construction and CEO designate, Stuart Togwell, will become CEO of Kier Group from 1st November.
James Askew, construction’s commercial director, will be interim group managing director for construction until Staehr arrives in January.
Staehr said: “Kier has a rich history of innovation and collaboration within the UK construction industry, which I know first-hand working with the team which delivered HMP Five Wells.
“With a strong pipeline of work, pioneering projects and fantastic people, I believe it’s an exciting time to be joining Kier and leading the construction business in its next chapter.”
Togwell said: “Martin brings fresh thinking and a drive to make a meaningful difference within the construction industry, and I am delighted he is joining us.
“Our construction business has a strong order book and pipeline of work and, with Government spending commitments, we have further opportunities for growth in our chosen sectors and through our integrated 360 approach.
“I am looking forward to working with Martin to drive forward our ambitions.”
