Balfour Beatty Names Philip Hoare as New Group Chief Executive
Balfour Beatty, the international infrastructure group, has announced the appointment of Philip Hoare as its new Group Chief Executive, marking the beginning of a significant new era for the company. The announcement signals both continuity and change for one of the world’s leading construction and infrastructure providers, as Hoare steps into a role that combines responsibility for sustaining strong financial performance with the ambition to shape the company’s long-term strategy in a rapidly evolving industry.
A Leader’s First Words
In his first remarks after officially taking up the role, Philip Hoare conveyed both humility and ambition. He stated:
“I am honoured to lead Balfour Beatty in its next chapter. The financial and operational strengths of the Group—including market-leading capabilities in core growth markets—place us in a strong position for the future. With significant opportunities ahead and a talented team in an industry that is rapidly evolving, I am energised by both the challenge and the responsibility. I look forward to listening, learning, and leading as we take the next steps forward, together.”
Hoare’s emphasis on listening and collaboration reflects the company’s people-first ethos, while his acknowledgment of Balfour Beatty’s strong operational foundation highlights a commitment to balancing innovation with stability.
A Career Rooted in Engineering Excellence
Philip Hoare is not a stranger to leadership in large-scale, complex organizations. A civil engineer by training, he brings more than 30 years of expertise in engineering, project management, and construction, with a career that has spanned some of the world’s most challenging infrastructure sectors.
Most recently, Hoare served in a series of senior leadership roles at AtkinsRéalis Group Inc., a Toronto Stock Exchange-listed global engineering services and nuclear enterprise. The company employs around 39,000 people worldwide and reported CAD $9.4 billion (approx. £5.1 billion) in annual revenues.
At AtkinsRéalis, Hoare played a pivotal role in driving both growth and operational performance. His leadership journey included:
- CEO of Atkins in the UK and Europe, where he strengthened the company’s market presence and operational resilience.
- President of the global Engineering Services business, where he oversaw international expansion and spearheaded innovation in design and consultancy services.
- Chief Operating Officer of AtkinsRéalis Group, where he worked across all divisions, aligning strategy, operations, and financial performance to deliver shareholder value.
This progression demonstrates not only Hoare’s technical background but also his capacity to navigate and lead complex, multidisciplinary organizations in a competitive global market.
Warm Welcome from the Board
Balfour Beatty’s Group Chair, Charles Allen, Lord Allen of Kensington, CBE, welcomed Hoare’s appointment with enthusiasm. He said:
This endorsement highlights the Board’s confidence in Hoare’s ability to sustain financial strength, expand strategic partnerships, and deliver long-term shareholder value.
Balfour Beatty’s Current Position: A Strong Platform for Growth
The leadership transition comes at a time of notable momentum for Balfour Beatty. In the first half of 2025, the company reported growth across its earnings-based businesses, underscoring both financial resilience and operational effectiveness.
Key highlights of the company’s current position include:
- A record £19.5 billion order book, secured on more favorable terms compared to previous years.
- A £20 billion project pipeline across key growth sectors, including UK energy, defence, transport, and US buildings.
- Average net cash exceeding £1.1 billion, providing the Group with flexibility and security.
- An Investments portfolio valued at £1.2 billion, which enhances long-term stability and enables the Group to pursue strategic opportunities.
These figures reflect a company in strong health, equipped to capitalize on the global demand for sustainable, resilient, and future-ready infrastructure.
Growth in Core Market
Balfour Beatty’s strategy emphasizes focusing on markets with long-term growth potential, many of which align with government priorities and societal needs. Among these:
- Energy – With the UK and global markets accelerating the transition to net-zero, Balfour Beatty is positioned to play a leading role in delivering infrastructure for renewable energy, grid reinforcement, and nuclear projects.
- Defence – The company has a longstanding presence in defence-related infrastructure, contributing to secure and modern facilities that support national security.
- Transport – From major rail and road programs in the UK to complex transport projects internationally, transport remains a backbone of the company’s order book.
- US Buildings – With a focus on education, healthcare, and commercial spaces, Balfour Beatty’s US business provides diversification and growth opportunities in one of the largest construction markets globally.
A Future Built on Innovation and Sustainability
Beyond financials, the appointment of Philip Hoare underscores Balfour Beatty’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and digital transformation. Hoare’s track record at AtkinsRéalis reflects his belief in leveraging technology to optimize project delivery, improve efficiency, and reduce environmental impacts.
As infrastructure markets adapt to climate imperatives, Balfour Beatty’s strategy will increasingly emphasize low-carbon construction methods, smarter digital tools, and collaboration with supply chains to deliver projects more sustainably. Hoare’s leadership is expected to accelerate this transformation, ensuring Balfour Beatty remains competitive in a sector that is evolving rapidly.
Confidence and Responsibility
The combination of financial strength, a healthy pipeline, and renewed leadership has created optimism about Balfour Beatty’s trajectory. Yet, challenges remain, from inflationary pressures and labor market dynamics to the need for rapid decarbonization.
Philip Hoare’s appointment reflects the Board’s confidence that he is the right leader to steer the company through these complexities. His career demonstrates resilience in the face of change and a capacity to drive performance in dynamic markets.
For employees, customers, and investors, his arrival represents a continuity of trust coupled with fresh perspective—a leader committed to learning from the past while pushing forward toward the future.
