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Thu April 25 2024

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Laing O’Rourke CEO-designate gets to work

12 Jan 22 Seamus French started work at Laing O’Rourke on Monday this week as managing director of its Europe Hub and CEO-designate.

Ray O'Rourke (left) welcomes Seamus French
Ray O'Rourke (left) welcomes Seamus French

Laing O’Rourke announced seven weeks ago that Ray O'Rourke – founder, chief executive and majority shareholder – plans to step down in September at the age of 75.

Seamus French has been a non-executive director of the company for 18 months, while simultaneously chief executive of Anglo American’s Bulk Commodities and Other Minerals division. He has now left Anglo American and joined Laing O’Rourke in an executive capacity as Ray O'Rourke’s successor-in-waiting. [See our previous report here.]

As Mr French arrived at the company’s head office in Dartford on Mondy morning, Ray O’Rourke said: “I am delighted to welcome Seamus to the business and look forward to working with him over the coming months to ensure a smooth CEO transition. He is a world-class executive, and his strong plc background and experience of leading international operations will help us continue to improve our performance and deliver long term growth.”

Seamus French said he couldn’t wait to get started. “We have exciting ambitions and great opportunities ahead of us, as we continue to innovate and redefine how this vital industry delivers the buildings and infrastructure that people and communities need,” he said in a company statement.

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