Philip Hoare succeeds Leo Quinn as Balfour Beatty group chief executive

Hoare said: “I am honoured to lead Balfour Beatty in its next chapter. The financial and operational strengths of the group – including market-leading capabilities in core growth markets – place us in a strong position for the future.” 

Hoare brings more than 30 years’ experience in engineering, project management, and construction. 

He was first CEO of AtkinsRéalis in the UK and Europe, and then president of the global Engineering Services business, before being appointed chief operating officer in January 2024. 

Quinn, who announced his departure in March, was appointed to the Board of Balfour Beatty as group chief executive in January 2015, returning to the company where he first started his career as a civil engineer. 

At the time, he said it had been his “great privilege” to lead Balfour Beatty as group chief executive for more than a decade, whose collective perfomance had added to its “enviable 115-year heritage”. 

Balfour Beatty reported revenue of £5.1 billion in its latest accounts for H12025, underpinned by a pre-tax profit of £132 million. 

The company now holds a record £19.5 billion order book – with UK construction orders up 2 per cent to £6.3 billion – supported by a £20 billion pipeline in key growth markets such as UK energy, defence, and transport, and US buildings.  

Its balance sheet shows average net cash of more than £1.1 billion, and a £1.2 billion Investments portfolio. 

Quinn will continue in an advisory capacity during a multi-month transition phase. 

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