Following the 2024 AGM, Robert will succeed Dr Stephen Billingham CBE as chair of the Audit & Risk Committee, as Stephen steps down from the board after his nine-year tenure as a non-executive director.

Robert is a highly experienced CEO and CFO and brings strong strategic, financial, and commercial experience to the board. A Chartered Accountant by background, Robert was formerly CEO of Johnson Matthey plc from 2014 to 2022 and CFO from 2009 to 2014.

Prior to this, Robert worked at WS Atkins PLC, serving as CFO for six years. Robert was a non-executive director of Aggreko plc from 2007 to 2016. Robert is currently a non-executive director and Cchair of the Remuneration Committee of RELX plc and a non-executive director of Vesuvius plc.

Lord Charles Allen of Kensington, CBE and chair of Balfour Beatty, said: “I would like to thank Stephen for the significant contribution he has made to Balfour Beatty over his nine years as Non-Executive Director, Senior Independent Director and Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee. He has helped steer the business through an exceptional period of transformation.

“I am delighted that Robert has agreed to join us. His leadership of large, complex international businesses and significant corporate and financial experience make him a strong addition to Balfour Beatty’s board.”

Commenting on his appointment, Robert MacLeod said: “I look forward to joining the Board of Balfour Beatty and leveraging my collective experience. Balfour Beatty’s importance to the infrastructure markets in which it operates, and its positive sustainability agenda attracted me to this role, and I look forward to supporting the Company in its continuing success.”