Galliford Try hires construction boss from Skanska

Galliford Try has hired Bill Hocking as managing director of its construction division, recruiting from rival contractor Skanska.

Hocking will work with Galliford Try construction chief executive Ken Gillespie in running the £833m-turnover construction division, following the promotion of Gillespie to group chief operating officer in a management shake-up last month, on top of his existing role.

Hocking starts at Galliford Try on 1 September this year.

He joins Galliford Try from Skanska, where he was most recently exectuive vice president and part of the Skanska UK executive management team with responsibility for civil engineering, piling and foundations, utilities and infrastructure service operations.

At Skanska Hocking was also responsible for strategic development, pre-construction functions and health and safety.

Hocking said: “I am very pleased to be joining Galliford Try and look forward to working with the team to deliver our clients’ expectations and achieve our profitable growth strategy.”

Gillespie said: “Bill brings with him a wealth of technical knowledge, leadership skills and an excellent track record that will help us to deliver our ambitious growth strategy. I am delighted to welcome him to the team.”