Kier Group is bringing in a heavyweight from across the construction spectrum. In a major leadership move, the company has appointed Martin Staehr, most recently a delivery director at Laing O’Rourke, as its new Group Managing Director for Construction.
He is set to take the reins in January 2026, joining Kier’s executive committee and assuming responsibility for its key operating units: Regional Build, Strategic Projects, Kier Places, and KME.
From Laing O’Rourke to Kier: A Transition in Momentum
Staehr brings nearly 17 years of service at Laing O’Rourke, where he has overseen high-profile public sector programs across justice, defence, health, science, and education sectors. He also has experience in MEP manufacturing operations. This breadth aims to prepare him for the scale and variety of Kier’s construction portfolio.
He succeeds Stuart Togwell, who transitions to become CEO of Kier Group starting 1 November. In the interim, James Askew, Kier’s existing Construction Commercial Director, will serve as acting MD until Staehr assumes full leadership.
At the point of handover, Kier’s construction division will carry an order book worth approximately £4.5 billion, with around 200 live projects spread across England, Scotland, and Wales.
What His Appointment Signals
- Renewed strategic focus on construction
With this hire, Kier underscores construction as a core growth engine. Staehr’s experience in delivering complex public sector and infrastructure work aligns with the firm’s aspirations to expand in strategic and regional projects. - Leadership continuity and depth
By promoting Togwell to CEO and stacking the construction leadership with Staehr, Kier aims to ensure a seamless link between group strategy and delivery execution. The arrangement suggests the company wants tighter alignment between commercial leadership and project delivery. - Scaling ambition under pressure
Kier’s construction arm generated about £1.9 billion revenue in its last full year and currently sustains over 70,000 homes in maintenance, plus recent landmark projects—among them the UK’s first all-electric prison at HMP Millsike. Staehr will inherit both challenge and opportunity in driving growth, improving margins, and ensuring operational consistency.
Challenges & Early Priorities
- Integration & culture shift
Moving from one major contractor to another, Staehr will need to meld his leadership style with Kier’s culture, processes, and client relationships—especially midstream in ongoing projects. - Operational excellence & risk control
With 200 active sites, consistency in delivery, cost control, quality, and safety will be critical. Ensuring best practices across geographies and project types will fall under his watch. - Strategic alignment across business units
His mandate covers multiple verticals—regionals, strategic projects, housing, and mechanical & electrical services. Harmonising objectives and resource allocation across those silos will demand strong coordination and prioritisation. - Market pressures & margin headwinds
Construction markets continue to feel inflation, supply chain volatility, and cost escalation. Staehr’s ability to navigate those pressures will likely define early perceptions of success. - Client relationships & pipeline growth
While Kier already carries a healthy order book, future growth will demand strong client engagement, innovation in delivery models, and risk-adjusted project selection.
Final Take
Kier’s appointment of Martin Staehr marks a bold stride to strengthen its construction leadership at a pivotal moment. With Togwell moving into the CEO seat, the group appears intent on bridging executive vision and field execution. If Staehr succeeds in stabilising performance, sharpening delivery, and driving growth across Kier’s varied portfolios, this move may well be judged as transformative rather than transitional.