Kier has appointed experienced finance leader Rachel Warren as Group Finance Director for Transformation, a newly created role that will also see her lead the development of the company’s financial shared services centre.
The appointment forms part of a wider strengthening of Kier’s senior leadership team as the business positions itself to capitalise on growing opportunities across the UK infrastructure and construction sectors.
Rachel joins Kier this month, bringing extensive experience in financial transformation, operational improvement and business change gained across a range of major UK and international organisations. Her career has included senior roles with British Airways, Aer Lingus, Wincanton and Sage, most recently serving with brick manufacturer Michelmersh.
In her new position, Rachel will work alongside Group Finance Director Basil Mendonca and collaborate closely with finance leaders across the organisation to drive transformation initiatives designed to support Kier’s long-term growth strategy.
The creation of a dedicated finance transformation leadership role reflects the increasing focus many major infrastructure and construction businesses are placing on operational efficiency, digitalisation and shared service models as they seek to improve performance while supporting future expansion.
Rachel said she was excited to be joining the business at a significant point in its development.
“I am delighted to be joining Kier at such an exciting time for the organisation,” she said.
“With long-term investment in UK infrastructure, I see a wealth of opportunity and I am looking forward to supporting the Group’s ambitious plans.”
The appointment follows a series of senior leadership changes across the organisation as Kier continues to align its structure with strategic growth objectives.
Tom Hinton, who recently joined the company as Chief Financial Officer, said Rachel’s experience would be instrumental in helping the business deliver its next phase of development.
“Rachel is a fantastic financial leader who has decades of experience in transforming complex, operational businesses,” he said.
“She combines deep technical expertise with a practical, commercial mindset, and I’m really pleased to welcome her to the team. I know she’ll play a key role in supporting our next phase of growth.”
The appointment comes amid continued investment across the UK infrastructure market, with major programmes spanning transport, utilities, defence, energy and public sector construction expected to drive significant opportunities for contractors and infrastructure specialists over the coming years.
Rachel’s arrival follows several other high-profile appointments within Kier’s executive leadership team, including Samantha Coughlan as Chief Information Officer and Niki Steel as Chief Human Resources Officer, reflecting a broader focus on strengthening operational capability, technology and people leadership.
The company is due to provide a trading update on 21 July, ahead of announcing its full financial results on 15 September.
As infrastructure investment remains a central pillar of the Government’s growth agenda, businesses across the sector are increasingly investing in leadership, technology and organisational transformation to ensure they are well positioned to deliver complex programmes efficiently while maintaining financial discipline and operational excellence.
Kier’s latest appointment signals its intention to continue building the capabilities required to support both current delivery commitments and future growth opportunities across its core markets.
