Mr Tyler, aged 51 and an accountant, has been chief executive since 2005 and a director since 1999. He joined Balfour Beatty in 1996 from the Hanson Group where he was finance director of ARC. He is leaving “to explore new opportunities”, he said.
Andrew McNaughton is currently deputy chief executive and chief operating officer. He joined Balfour Beatty in 1997 after 12 years with Kier and was appointed to the board in 2009 as COO. Since then, he is credited with developing the group’s global strategy to move into higher growth sectors and geographies.
As part of a succession plan, he was promoted to deputy chief executive last July, taking over responsibility for the investments division and for various global functions including health & safety and human resources.
Mr McNaughton, aged 48, is a chartered civil engineer and a vice-president of the Institution of Civil Engineers.
Balfour Beatty chairman Steve Marshall said “The board is delighted that someone of Andrew’s calibre has developed from within the business and is now ready to take over the role of chief executive from Ian. Andrew has a deep understanding of our customers and operations, and the relentless drive necessary to successfully deliver the strategy that he has been intimately involved in developing.
“On behalf of the board, I want to say a huge thank you to Ian Tyler for his outstanding contribution to Balfour Beatty during his sixteen-year career with the group, including, the last eight years as chief executive. During Ian’s tenure, the business has trebled in size, extended its global reach and its capabilities, particularly in developing professional services following the acquisition of Parsons Brinckerhoff in 2009. It is also testament to his leadership that Balfour Beatty has the depth of management talent that has ensured a smooth succession.”
Mr Tyler said: “After eight years, I believe, the time is right to hand over to Andrew to lead the business in the next stage of its development. He will be supported by an experienced executive team. I am looking forward to exploring new opportunities outside Balfour Beatty.”
Andrew McNaughton said “It has been a privilege to be part of the leadership team at Balfour Beatty for several years only now surpassed by the opportunity to take over from Ian as chief executive. We have a strong company and are in a good position to meet the short term market challenges and take advantage of the longer term opportunities. I am looking forward to building on the solid platform that we have created and leading us to the next stage of strategic growth."
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