Loxton will join the group from McKinsey & Company, where for over ten years she guided major industrial and infrastructure businesses on strategy, transformation and growth. 

Loxton was a partner at McKinsey and most recently spearheaded their UK Advanced Industries and Transport & Infrastructure practices. 

Earlier in Loxton’s career, she served as a senior policy advisor in the UK Government’s prime minister’s Strategy Unit.

Reporting to Philip Hoare, Balfour Beatty’s group chief executive, Loxton will be responsible for spearheading Balfour Beatty’s strategy function when she joins in October. 

She will help influence and deliver the group’s long-term strategy, aiding growth across its chosen markets and developing Balfour Beatty’s infrastructure capability, presence in the UK, US and Asia, and priority growth markets of UK energy, transport and defence as well as US buildings.

Hoare said: “Emma is a proven strategy and transformation leader with a strong track record of helping complex organisations sharpen performance, strengthen competitiveness and deliver lasting change.

“Her insight, energy and commercial focus will be invaluable as we continue to execute our strategy, progress Evolve, Energise, Explore and capture the opportunities created by strong demand for complex, critical infrastructure across our chosen markets. 

In response to her appointment, Loxton said: “Balfour Beatty is an industry leader with exceptional people, distinctive capabilities and a vital role delivering the infrastructure we all depend on.

“The group is well positioned for its next phase of profitable growth, with strong positions in attractive markets and a clear ambition for the future.”

Loxton added: “I am excited to join Philip and the leadership team, and to work with colleagues across Balfour Beatty to help deliver this next chapter.”