Balfour Beatty Names Richard Watts as UK Rail Managing Director
Balfour Beatty, a leading international infrastructure group known for delivering complex and transformative projects across the globe, has announced a major leadership transition within its UK Rail business. The company has confirmed that Richard Watts will join the organisation later in 2025 and officially assume the role of Managing Director of Balfour Beatty’s UK Rail business beginning January 2026.
A New Chapter of Leadership in UK Rail
Richard Watts brings with him a distinguished career spanning two decades in the rail and infrastructure sectors. His appointment signals Balfour Beatty’s strategic commitment to driving forward innovation, efficiency, and long-term growth within the UK’s rail industry. The leadership transition comes at a pivotal moment, as the UK’s rail network undergoes significant transformation aligned with broader changes expected under the Great British Railways initiative, which seeks to integrate infrastructure and operations to deliver a better and more streamlined service for passengers and freight users alike.
Career Background: Proven Experience Across the Rail Spectrum
Richard joins Balfour Beatty from BAM Nuttall, where he currently serves as Rail Sector Director. In that role, he has overseen the performance, strategic development, and successful delivery of national rail frameworks across the country. His leadership at BAM also included responsibility for the company’s highways operations, reflecting a breadth of expertise that spans multiple modes of infrastructure delivery.
Prior to his tenure at BAM Nuttall, Richard built a solid track record of delivering results in some of the UK’s most prominent rail organisations. His past roles include senior leadership positions at TXM Plant, where he was responsible for innovative on-track plant solutions; at HS2 Ltd, where he contributed to the early delivery phases of the UK’s flagship high-speed rail project; and at Colas Rail and Network Rail, where he developed deep technical and operational insights into complex rail infrastructure development and maintenance.
With a reputation for driving transformative outcomes and fostering a collaborative, solution-oriented approach, Richard has consistently demonstrated an ability to lead high-performing teams and deliver value in a highly regulated and performance-critical sector.
Leadership Transition and Legacy
Richard Watts will succeed Mick Rayner, who has dedicated over 27 years to Balfour Beatty and has led the UK Rail business as Managing Director since 2018. Mick’s leadership has been marked by a period of strong operational delivery, customer-focused innovation, and team development. Under his guidance, Balfour Beatty’s rail division has consistently maintained its position as one of the UK’s top infrastructure partners, undertaking projects that span the entire rail asset lifecycle.
Mick will continue in his current leadership role until the end of 2025, ensuring a seamless transition and continuity across the business. Beginning in January 2026, he will move into a part-time Senior Advisory role. In this capacity, Mick will continue to contribute strategically to Balfour Beatty’s rail initiatives, providing institutional knowledge and mentorship while supporting the new leadership team as they take the business forward.
Executive Perspective on the Appointment
Commenting on the leadership transition, Stephen Tarr, Group Sector Lead – UK Energy and Divisional CEO of Balfour Beatty’s Power Transmission & Distribution, Rail, and Balfour Beatty Kilpatrick businesses, said:
“Richard’s experience and in-depth knowledge of major rail project delivery will continue to drive our rail business forward, whilst ensuring safe, high-quality projects for rail users across the UK. His proven ability to lead complex operations and develop innovative strategies positions him well to lead our talented workforce and maintain our reputation as a trusted rail delivery partner.”
Richard Watts also shared his thoughts on his upcoming role:
“It is an honour to join the Balfour Beatty team at this pivotal time as Great British Railways begins to reshape the industry. I look forward to working closely with Mick and the strong team he has built to help grow and strengthen what is already a fantastic business. Together, we will deliver the next chapter of the UK’s rail network, supporting economic growth, regional connectivity, and sustainable transport development.”
Balfour Beatty’s Commitment to UK Rail
With a workforce of approximately 1,500 dedicated rail professionals, Balfour Beatty’s UK Rail business is one of the most experienced and capable infrastructure providers in the country. The company’s portfolio spans the design, enhancement, maintenance, and renewal of railway infrastructure—ranging from high-speed rail and commuter lines to freight corridors and light rail systems.
Balfour Beatty’s approach to rail infrastructure is holistic, covering the full lifecycle of projects—from conceptual planning and design to delivery, handover, and long-term asset management. Whether it is upgrading signalling systems, constructing new railway lines, electrifying existing routes, or ensuring the structural integrity of railway bridges and tunnels, the company consistently delivers complex works to high standards of quality and safety.
Its ongoing partnerships with Network Rail and other key clients position Balfour Beatty as a central figure in supporting the future of rail travel in the UK. In recent years, the company has played a leading role in flagship rail programs including the Transpennine Route Upgrade, the Wessex Capacity Alliance, and the Midland Main Line Electrification project.
