FORMER Laing O’Rourke boss Steve Hollingshead has been appointed as the new CEO for the Murphy Group.
Having begun his career with Taylor Woodrow Construction, he joined O’Rourke in 1989 and remained with the firm ever since.
In 1991 he became construction director for the Irish company, playing a key role in the O'Rourke Group's acquisition of Laing Construction in October 2001, before being appointed Managing Director of Laing O'Rourke, London and South East.
He went on to become Managing Director of Laing O'Rourke's infrastructure, direct delivery, manufacturing and plant hire businesses before moving to Brisbane in 2010 to take up position as CEO of the firm’s Australia hub.
He is credited with leading the turnaround and growth of the firm’s Australian business while in that role, which now generates $3bn in annual revenue and employs 7,000 people.
When he returned to England in 2013 he continued working as group human capital director for the company, but this year decided to leave the firm to take up a new post with another Irish construction heavyweight.
As of June 10, he will head up operations for J Murphy & Sons, which has its headquarters in London, filling the spot vacated by former CEO John Stack last year.
Of his appointment with the iconic Irish firm, he said: “It is a great privilege to be joining one of the industry’s leading infrastructure companies.”
He added: “With its rich heritage of innovative solutions, ability to self-deliver and entrepreneurial culture, Murphy has a very unique place in the industry and is ideally positioned to capitalise on the growing opportunities in the market. The capability and talent that exists within Murphy are impressive, and I very much look forward to working with my new colleagues to grow and broaden the company’s portfolio in the UK and overseas.”
As CEO, Mr Hollingshead will be responsible for growing the Murphy Group’s activities in Britain as well as driving forward the company’s overseas activities.
Alastair Kerr, Chairman of the Murphy Board, said: “It is with great pleasure that we welcome Steve Hollingshead. Steve joins Murphy at a very exciting time of dynamic change and growth. With an impressive track record and with more than 35 years of experience in delivering major global infrastructure projects, Steve brings a wealth of knowledge. His experience will be instrumental in growing Murphy’s activities both in the UK and overseas.”
