Kier Group has confirmed a major change at top finance level: its current Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Simon Kesterton, will step down on 31 December 2025, after six years in the role.
From 1 January 2026, he will be replaced by Tom Hinton, currently interim chief executive of logistics firm Wincanton and previously its finance chief.
Why the Change Matters
Under Kesterton’s tenure, the company navigated a deep financial turnaround, strengthened its balance sheet, overhauled procurement and IT operations and put the group on a firmer footing. The board credits him with helping to restore investor confidence and stabilise the business after years of turbulence.
With Tom Hinton taking over, Kier signals a shift toward its next growth phase. Hinton brings a strong track record of financial strategy, cost discipline and capital allocation — skills seen as vital for delivering on the group’s ambitions as it pursues large infrastructure, construction and public-works contracts.
Strategic Context — Why Now
The leadership change comes at a pivotal moment for the company. Recently, Kier reported a healthy order book (circa £11.6 billion) and secured 94 % of its forecast revenue for 2026, reflecting strong demand in infrastructure and public-works sectors.
As the group enters this new cycle, the CFO transition suggests a desire for fresh financial leadership capable of steering continued growth, managing large-scale projects and maintaining fiscal discipline.
What to Watch Next
- How the new CFO balances growth ambitions with disciplined capital management — especially given the size and complexity of Kier’s upcoming contracts.
- Whether the change strengthens confidence among investors, lenders and industry partners, reinforcing the company’s repositioned financial stability.
- How continuing projects and new bids fare under fresh financial oversight — which may shape Kier’s competitive standing in the UK construction and infrastructure market.
Conclusion
Kier’s board is drawing a line under a period of restructuring and financial consolidation, ushering in a new era under Tom Hinton. With a strong order book and ambitious infrastructure commitments ahead, the company appears ready to build on past stability — under new financial leadership.