Ray O'Rourke diventerà presidente di Laing O'Rourke dopo le dimissioni di Sir John Parker

Sir John has served as chairman of the company for eight years and will step down at the end of the group's trading year on 31 March, but will continue to hold the ambassadorial role.

Last year, Laing O'Rourke announced that Ray O'Rourke would hand over the role of CEO to his son Cathal, while continuing to serve on the board as vice chairman.

Ray O'Rourke said: "I extend our deepest gratitude to Sir John for his contribution to our business. We are deeply grateful for his unwavering stewardship and tireless commitment which have been instrumental in bringing our vision and purpose to life.

“As a testament to that commitment, Sir John has agreed to retain an ambassadorial role, which will ensure the company continues to benefit from his experience and wise counsel.”

Ray O'Rourke will take up the role of Group Chairman from 1 April 2025. He added: "I look forward to working with my son, our Group CEO, Cathal O'Rourke and our Board members as we continue to implement our strategy to push the boundaries of modern construction, which is the only way to change the nature of the work we do."

Sir John Parker said: "I am proud of my time as Group Chairman of Laing O'Rourke Corporation. I have always been impressed by the high calibre of people who serve on Laing O'Rourke's board, its executive committees and those who deliver its projects in the UK, the Middle East and Australia.

"They are driven by a genuine sense of purpose, confident in the knowledge that the work they do every day serves humanity and improves lives. I have every confidence that Laing O'Rourke will continue to build on its recent successes and achieve its goal of transforming the company and the wider industry for generations to come.

"I would like to thank Ray and Cathal for their unwavering support, and all the other members of the Board who have been quality, highly competent and professional colleagues of integrity."