New Laing O’Rourke chairman

Laing O’Rourke has announced that Sir John Parker will assume the chairman’s role at Laing O’Rourke later this year, after stepping down from the role of chairman at the mining company Anglo American.

Former president of the Royal Academy of Engineering and a visiting fellow at Oxford University, Sir John apparently has a keen interest in the development of engineering technology and talent, which Laing O’Rourke said is a core value of its business.

Ray O’Rourke, CEO of the global construction company, said, “Sir John has built up an enviable reputation across a range of industrial sectors as a leader in the boardroom, including chairman at five FTSE100 companies.”

Before Sir John officially starts his new role, he will familiarise himself with Laing O’Rourke’s key projects and clients.

Sir John said, “A culture of engineering excellence is deeply embedded at Laing O'Rourke. I have a deep respect for the organisation that Ray and Des O’Rourke built from scratch over the past 40 years."

He added, “I am honoured to join such a progressive organisation, with compelling future plans."