Kier Group MD to leave by end of 2022, replacement confirmed

Kier Group has announced that Liam Cummins, Group Managing Director, Construction, will leave the company at the end of the year and take up a chief executive role outside of the group. He will continue in the post till the end of the year, and until that date, will continue to lead the construction business to ensure and orderly transition and handover.

In a statement, Kier said that Stuart Togwell, the Group’s Commercial Director, will take up the role of Group Managing Director, Construction from January 1, 2023. He will also continue to be a part of the group’s executive committee, it added.

Togwell arrived at Kier in 2019 and over the last three years, has played a crucial role in the group’s strategic transformation, which included the implementation of a new project gateway system across the organisation, as well as strengthening relationships with government, customers, and an extensive supply chain.

Andrew Davies, Kier Group CEO, commented: “I would like to thank Liam for his hard work over the past three years. Liam has been an integral part of our leadership team and I wish him every success in the future.

“I am delighted that Stuart Togwell, currently Group Commercial Director and a valued member of the Executive Committee, assumes the position of Group Managing Director, Construction. Stuart’s wealth of experience in the construction sector, as well as his focus on operational and commercial excellence and his people-first approach, mean he is well-placed to lead our Construction business and help to deliver our medium-term plan,” he added.

Togwell has more than 35 years of experience in the built environment and, prior to joining Kier, held a number of positions at Wates Group where he was instrumental in growing both their public and private sector markets, including their Living Space housing maintenance division. 

He is also a chartered surveyor, attended IMD and INSEAD, is a qualified leadership coach and a Board member of the EKFB Joint Venture.

Growing the Company

The announcement comes amidst a spate of appointments for Kier, who recently announced Gus Wright as regional director for its London business, with a specific focus on the commercial market.

Wright will join the organisation in January 2023, and in this newly created role, will be responsible for the operational delivery of Kier’s commercial and residential projects across London.

David McKenzie, managing director of Kier Construction, London & Southern, said: “I am delighted to be announcing the appointment of Gus to our London business.

“As part of our strategy, we have built up a strong portfolio in London and Gus will further enhance our operational leadership, capability,y and capacity to our London clients. I’m looking forward to welcoming Gus in January and working together to continue to drive operational excellence and growth.”

As a commercial and mixed-use specialist, Wright comes with more than 30 years of experience in the construction industry, including senior roles at Ardmore Group, Mace and most recently, Laing O’Rourke, where his recent successes include the delivery of the Brunel Building, the statement continued.

Gus Wright added: “I am thrilled to be joining Kier, a distinguished organisation with clear core values and a solid reputation. This new role offers a great opportunity to further develop the London business and I look forward to positively contributing to the strategy, working with the site teams and enhancing our client and partner relationships.”