Balfour Beatty welcomes Joanna Vezey as MD of UK Highways business

Joanna has over 25 years’ experience in the civil engineering and construction sectors, having joined Balfour Beatty as a graduate. She returns to the company from Laing O’Rourke where she has spent the last 14 years working across both Australia and the UK. Most recently, she was responsible for a significant portfolio of large, complex projects across the highways, water and power sectors.

Previously, she was technical director for Laing O’Rourke’s Europe Hub, which involved overseeing a substantial number of technical professionals across the entire business, including manufacturing and direct delivery.

In addition, she is also an industrial advisory board member at Imperial College London, contributing her expertise and industry knowledge to support the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering’s activities and to ensure that it delivers its full potential as a centre of excellence.

Joanna replaces Phil Clifton, who took on the role as divisional CEO of Balfour Beatty’s Major Projects, Highways, Ground Engineering businesses, as well as becoming group sector lead for UK Transport earlier this year.

“To return to Balfour Beatty – having started my career as a graduate at the company – is truly an honour,” Joanna said. “Whilst I am sure that much has changed over the years, I know that some things remain the same: the laser-sharp focus on culture, the incredible expertise and capabilities of its people, and its unwavering commitment to health and safety.

“I look forward to starting the next chapter of my career at Balfour Beatty and working closely alongside our customers and the many talented individuals that make up this great company.”

Phil Clifton added: “I am pleased to hand over the reins of our UK Highways business to Joanna. She possesses a deep knowledge of our industry and fully understands its complexities.

“With the critical Lower Thames Crossing project gearing up having received Government approval earlier this year, and the recent announcement on funding for the Roads Investment Strategy 3, I can’t think of anyone better suited to lead the charge as we enter an exciting period of growth.”