Construction Leadership Council Strengthens Leadership Team with Kier Appointment

The Construction Leadership Council (CLC) has expanded its senior leadership team with the appointment of Kier Group Chief Executive Stuart Togwell as Deputy Co-Chair, reinforcing the organisation's focus on industry reform, digital transformation and the transition to a more sustainable construction sector.

Following an independent recruitment process, Togwell has been selected to help steer the Council's strategic agenda, succeeding Richard Robinson of AtkinsRéalis in the role.

The appointment has been endorsed by Industry Minister Chris McDonald MP and CLC Co-Chair Mark Reynolds, Executive Chairman of Mace Construct.

Driving the next phase of industry transformation

As Deputy Co-Chair, Togwell will lead work across three major policy areas that are expected to shape the future of UK construction.

These include accelerating progress towards net zero and the circular economy, encouraging new commercial and procurement models, and helping modernise the planning system through greater digitalisation.

He will work alongside a newly appointed group of industry sponsors, with Matt Palmer, Chief Executive of the Lower Thames Crossing, supporting environmental priorities, Paul Beeston of Rider Levett Bucknall leading business model reform, and Lilly Gallafent of Cast Consultancy overseeing digital planning and building control initiatives.

Beeston and Gallafent will also become members of the CLC Board.

Experience from major infrastructure delivery

Since becoming Kier's Chief Executive in late 2025, Togwell has overseen one of the UK's largest construction and infrastructure businesses, following a lengthy career that spans almost four decades.

The Council believes his experience working across major public infrastructure projects, together with Kier's close relationships with thousands of specialist suppliers, will help ensure the interests of businesses throughout the construction supply chain are reflected in future industry initiatives.

Small and medium-sized enterprises account for more than 80 per cent of Kier's supply chain, giving Togwell significant insight into the challenges facing firms of all sizes.

Supporting government ambitions

The appointment comes as government continues to place construction at the heart of its plans for economic growth, housing delivery and infrastructure investment.

Industry Minister Chris McDonald MP said Togwell's appointment would strengthen collaboration between government and industry at a crucial time for the sector.

He said Togwell brings extensive experience from both construction and infrastructure, adding that his leadership would support efforts to improve productivity, safety and sustainability while delivering the homes and infrastructure the country requires.

Delivering long-term priorities

For the Construction Leadership Council, the strengthened leadership team is intended to accelerate delivery of the objectives set out in its latest biennial strategy, which focuses on improving industry performance while embracing technological innovation and environmental responsibility.

CLC Co-Chair Mark Reynolds said the appointments provide the expertise needed to turn those ambitions into practical action across the sector.

Representing the wider industry

Reflecting on his new role, Togwell described construction and infrastructure as fundamental to communities and the wider economy.

"The construction and infrastructure industry is the backbone of the UK, with what we deliver supporting, enabling, protecting and bolstering communities across the country."

He added that after nearly 40 years in the industry, he was looking forward to contributing to the Council's work and helping represent the interests of construction businesses across the UK.

Rather than focusing solely on individual organisations, Togwell said the opportunity was about helping shape the future direction of an industry that underpins national growth, investment and long-term resilience.