Murphy hires former Laing O'Rourke exec as CEO

J Murphy & Sons has appointed former Laing O’Rourke executive Steve Hollingshead as its new chief executive.

Hollingshead (pictured) will join £950m-turnover J Murphy & Sons on 1 June.

Hollingshead held various senior management positions at Laing O’Rourke over almost 13 years at the firm, including chief executive of its Australian arm and latterly group human capital director, before departing in May 2014.

Prior to this he spent 12 years at R O’Rourke & Son and played a key role in that firm’s acquisition of Laing Construction, creating Laing O’Rourke.

After leaving Laing O’Rourke he became construction director at Tidal Lagoon Power, an infrastructure client which has plans to build six power-generating tidal lagoons across the UK, the most advanced of which is in Swansea Bay.

In a statement Murphy said Hollingshead would be “responsible for growing Murphy’s activities in the UK, as well as, taking a leading role in driving forward the company’s overseas activities”.

Alastair Kerr, chairman of the Murphy board, said: “It is with great pleasure that we welcome Steve Hollingshead. Steve joins Murphy at a very exciting time of dynamic change and growth.

“With an impressive track record and with more than 35 years of experience in delivering major global infrastructure projects, Steve brings a wealth of knowledge. His experience will be instrumental in growing Murphy’s activities both in the UK and overseas.”

Hollingshead said: “It is a great privilege to be joining one of the industry’s leading infrastructure companies. With its rich heritage of innovative solutions, ability to self-deliver and entrepreneurial culture, Murphy has a very unique place in the industry and is ideally positioned to capitalise on the growing opportunities in the market.

“The capability and talent that exists within Murphy are impressive, and I very much look forward to working with my new colleagues to grow and broaden the company’s portfolio in the UK and overseas.”