Jo, who joins the company today, will be responsible for supporting and guiding the business in driving forward Balfour Beatty’s sustainability strategy across the UK, as well as reporting the group’s performance against the bold targets and ambitions set out in its ‘Building New Futures’ sustainability strategy.

She joins Balfour Beatty from Kier where she held the position of group head of sustainability & environment. Prior to Kier, she was head of sustainability & corporate responsibility at the FTSE 100 distribution and logistics group – Bunzl.

Leo Quinn, Balfour Beatty group chief executive, said: “I am delighted to welcome Jo as UK Director of Sustainability. Her significant skills and experience will help ensure that we remain at the forefront of the vital net zero transition for our industry.

“Whilst sustainability has long been at the heart of what we do, we must not rest on our laurels. We must continue to invest in and drive forward the sustainable solutions that will enable us to deliver the infrastructure required for a Net Zero industry. I am confident that in her role, Jo will help us do just that.”

Jo Gilroy said: “For many years I have watched Balfour Beatty with interest. At such a pivotal moment in time for the industry with numerous, major green infrastructure projects on the horizon I am pleased to be joining a company that is leading the way in driving sustainable solutions and clearly takes its responsibility so seriously.”

Further demonstrating its ongoing commitment to embracing and embedding sustainable practices across its business, the Company’s sustainability expertise is bolstered by four further recent appointments. Brian Handock has joined Balfour Beatty as head of environment and sustainability for Balfour Beatty’s UK Construction Services business. He joins from Roadbridge, one of Ireland’s leading civil engineering companies, where he was environment & sustainability lead.

Michael Shanks has recently been appointed as head of environment and sustainability to drive sustainable outcomes across Balfour Beatty’s UK Rail & Utilities operations. Previously, he was head of environmental services for East West Railway Company. Adam Newsome has joined as head of environmental compliance in the UK. He joins from BAM Nuttall, where he was head of environment for the company’s Silvertown Tunnel project. Jonathan Turner has been promoted to UK head of environment and sustainability. Reporting directly into Jo, he will focus on Balfour Beatty’s ambition of generating zero waste by 2040.