Laing O’Rourke names new chief people officer

Laing O’Rourke has appointed Wayne Davies as its new chief people officer, effective this month.

In this group-wide role, Davies will lead the organisation’s global people strategy, which is focused on strengthening capability, building the talent pipeline, accelerating inclusion and transformation, and putting people at the heart of its operations. He will work with the leadership and people teams to ensure Laing O’Rourke remains an employer of choice for aspiring and capable talent.

Davies has worked in the manufacturing, aviation, healthcare, infrastructure, energy distribution, transportation, and financial services industries. Having held HR leadership roles over the course of 15 years with General Electric in assignments around the world, he also led the HR function for Emirates Airline, as well as a Middle Eastern construction Giga project. More recently, he was chief human resources officer in a private equity-backed business.

Davies said: “I’m delighted to be joining Laing O’Rourke at such an exciting and ambitious moment for the business. Throughout my career I’ve been driven by the belief that empowered, well‑supported people are the foundation of exceptional performance.

“I have long admired the innovative DNA, entrepreneurial spirit and values-based leadership that is synonymous with Laing O’Rourke. I look forward to partnering with employees across the organisation to build our capability, strengthen our culture, and help ensure our teams continue to deliver outstanding outcomes for our clients and communities.”

Cathal O’Rourke, group chief executive officer, added: “I am excited for Wayne to join our business and the group executive committee. He brings an outstanding track record leading people functions across complex, international organisations. His experience in transformation, organisational and talent development will help us deliver on our ambitions as we step up to drive a new delivery paradigm for the construction industry.”