He has told his board that he will take early retirement next year, at the age of 55.
Keller is the world's largest independent ground engineering specialist, with a global annual turnover of £1.5bn and 9,000 staff worldwide.
Mr Atkinson said, “Since I joined Keller in 1990, the group has grown significantly, especially in international markets with the group now working in over 40 countries. Particularly during recent years, this has meant an ever increasing amount of overseas travel, which is not something I can continue to commit to. I have therefore informed the Board of my intention to retire from Keller at the end of 2015, when I will be 55. In the meantime, I shall continue to work diligently with the executive team to deliver the group strategy.”
The company has got head-hunters on the case of finding a successor.
Keller chairman Roy Franklin said, "Justin is a highly effective chief executive of Keller. Under his leadership, and with the support of a strong executive team, the business has undergone significant transformation and operational improvement with compound TSR growth at around 17% in the ten years since Justin’s appointment as chief executive. The timing of this decision provides Keller with continuity of leadership and the necessary time to search for and appoint his successor in an orderly handover."
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