Watts will join Balfour later this year and become Managing Director of the UK Rail business in January 2026.<\/p>\n
At BAM he was responsible for the overall performance and delivery of national rail frameworks, as well as for the company\u2019s highways operations.<\/p>\n
Watts has 20 years\u2019 experience in the rail sector including stints at TXM Plant, HS2 Ltd, Colas Rail and Network Rail.<\/p>\n
He will replace Mick Rayner, who has worked at Balfour Beatty for over 27 years, most recently as Managing Director of Balfour Beatty\u2019s UK Rail business; a position he has held since 2018.<\/p>\n
Rayner will continue in his role until the end of this year, moving into a new part-time Senior Advisory role in January 2026 and continuing to play an active part in supporting the UK Rail business.<\/p>\n
Stephen Tarr, Group Sector Lead \u2013 UK Energy and Divisional CEO of Balfour Beatty\u2019s Power Transmission & Distribution, Rail and Balfour Beatty Kilpatrick businesses said: \u201cRichard\u2019s experience and in-depth knowledge of major rail project delivery will continue to drive our rail business forward, whilst ensuring safe, high-quality projects for rail users across the UK.\u201d<\/p>\n
Watts said: \u201cIt is an honour to join the Balfour Beatty team at this pivotal time as Great British Railways begins to reshape the industry.<\/p>\n
\u201cI look forward to working with Mick and the strong team he has built to help grow and strengthen what is already a fantastic business as we deliver the next chapter of the UK\u2019s rail network.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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