Thursday, July 19, 2007
John Laing plc has recruited Chris Waples who is to be appointed to the Board in the newly created position of Operations Director with effect from 13 August 2007. Chris has formerly held senior management positions with Amey plc, where he was Director in charge of Public and Private Sectors managing a £110 million facilities management portfolio throughout the
There are no other changes to the Board composition.
A new business structure for the future
The Company is changing its structure to make the business even more responsive to the needs of its clients, as it continues with its growth strategy both in the
John Laing Social Infrastructure and John Laing Infrastructure will be merged to create one business operating under the John Laing banner. Management responsibility for this business will be divided between Business Development and Operations.
Derek Potts will head up Business Development where he will be supported by a highly skilled team of directors who will each take responsibility for large regions within the overall (
Chris Waples will lead Operations and will be responsible for managing all aspects of delivery over the whole project life from construction through to and including the operating phases. Equion FM will re-brand under the continued management of Tim Grier as John Laing Integrated Services and will form part of the Operations division.
John Laing Projects & Developments will remain a separate division looking at alternative methods of private sector participation in accommodation projects for the public sector and in rail infrastructure projects. It will continue under the strong leadership of Jamie Kerr, with Richard Weston as the Board Director responsible.
John Laing has confirmed that it is in the early stages of preparing to sell its Train Operating interests, including Chiltern Railways and the London Rail Concession. KPMG Corporate Finance has been appointed as the lead advisor on the sale process.
Adrian Ewer, Chief Executive of John Laing plc said, “John Laing recognises the importance of the operational element to its business with long-term investments held in 55 projects. Chris’ expertise will be focused on driving quality and effectiveness in project company management and service delivery across all of our operations. The re-structuring will afford us the flexibility to respond to changing global markets and to partner with our clients in the most effective manner through all the phases and over the whole life of each project”.
Ends
For more information contact:
Matthew Moth at the Madano Partnership
Tel: + 44 (0) 20 7593 4000
Christine Jones, Communications Manager at John Laing
Tel: + 44 (0) 20 7901 3200
About John Laing
John Laing is a leading investor, developer and operator of privately financed, public sector infrastructure projects. It holds investments in 55 projects in sectors spanning: roads, rail, health, education, housing and community regeneration, police and criminal justice, defence, street lighting and waste management; in the UK and internationally. Through John Laing Integrated Services it provides facilities management and performance monitoring services to its clients. John Laing Projects & Developments is responsible for alternative methods of private sector participation in rail and accommodation projects for the public sector.
About Chris Waples
Chris Waples has an extensive record of business development in progressive high profile companies and achieves results through the leadership of effective teams. He has a broad range of experience including contract management, business turnarounds, divestments and acquisitions, and the development and implementation of strategic plans.