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Eoghan O’Lionaird, pictured, has been appointed as new chief executive of Wates.

Wates appoints new chief executive

A new chief executive with an “impressive track record” has been appointed at construction, residential development and property services business Wates.

Eoghan O’Lionaird joins the firm on February 20, following his departure as chief executive at FTSE-listed marine services company James Fisher and Sons plc.

He has also previously held executive roles at Spectris plc, Danaher Corporation, Philips and Mitsui Kinzoku.

Sir James Wates CBE, Wates chairman, said: “Eoghan is a globally accomplished, motivational leader with an impressive track record in industry and we’re very pleased to be welcoming him to Wates. We’re excited to appoint Eoghan to lead us into the next stage of our history.

“At the same time, on behalf of the board, I’d like to pay tribute to Philip Wainwright for the great job he has done as interim chief executive over the past six months. 

“He hands over a business which is in terrific shape, and with him working as chief financial officer alongside Eoghan, we are confident of the group’s continuing stability and success.”

O’Lionaird, who will be based in the company’s headquarters in Leatherhead, Surrey, said: “What marks Wates out from the competition is how it has rallied its people around a purpose greater than profit alone. 

“This is clear from its commitment to making the built environment more sustainable. I’m looking forward to contributing to the group’s strategy and marshalling the resources needed to achieve its ambitions.”

If you would like to contact Rob O’Connor about this, or any other story, please email roconnor@infrastructure-intelligence.com.