Laing O’Rourke refreshes Board to focus on Powering the Next Industrial Revolution

Laing O’Rourke Chairman, Ray O’Rourke KBE today announced the Board of the business would be refreshed to focus on driving a new paradigm for the construction industry.

Mark Foy CBE will join the Board as a Non-Executive Director in November. He was formerly the Chief Executive and Chief Inspector of the Office of Nuclear Regulation.

He is an expert in regulatory excellence and nuclear safety and security. Mr Foy will bring his extensive experience to his role as the Chair of the Board’s newly formed safety committee.

Helen Ruelle has been appointed as Group Company Secretary. She is a lawyer specialising in commercial and business law, having most recently been a director at internationally renowned commercial law firm, Ogier. Prior to that, Ms Ruelle was a partner at Mourant.

Current Company Secretary Jim Edmondson will remain as a member of the Board and will provide ongoing support to the O’Rourke family office, Oisín Capital. Mr Edmondson is working with Ms Ruelle to ensure a smooth transition ahead of her formally taking up the position on 1 April 2026.

Heather MacCallum, who first joined the Board in November 2022 and currently chairs the Audit and Risk Committee, will become the Senior Independent Director, and a member of the Remuneration Committee.

Dr Hayaatun Sillem, who joined the Board in March 2022, will now chair the Board’s Sustainability Committee – bringing a renewed focus and expertise to meet Laing O’Rourke’s ambitious sustainability agenda. She will also join the Nomination Committee. Dr Sillem, who has served as the CEO of the Royal Academy of Engineering for 8 years, announced she will step down from that role at the end of this calendar year. She has made a significant contribution to engineering in the United Kingdom, and we are delighted she has agreed to take on more responsibility on the Board.

Non-Executive Director Charlotte Valeur and Senior Independent Director Mark Cutifani have now left the Board.

Chairman Ray O’Rourke said:

“We believe that the modernisation of the construction industry, that we are backing our people to deliver, can be at the heart of a 21st Century Industrial Revolution.

“Though the working paradigm is new, our commitment to a model built around the extraordinary talent of our people is constant. The arrival of Mark Foy and Helen Ruelle, together with the expertise and experience of Hayaatun Sillem and Heather MacCallum will only deepen this rich tradition at Laing O’Rourke.

“The hard work, ingenuity and dedication of everyone at Laing O’Rourke has created a platform for innovation unprecedented in our industry. I want to thank Mark Cutifani and Charlotte Valeur for their guidance and advice over the years, as we pioneered the modern methods of construction that are now powering the next stage of Laing O’Rourke’s growth.”

Group Chief Executive Officer Cathal O’Rourke said:

“Mark Foy and Helen Ruelle are joining the Board at an exciting time for Laing O’Rourke. I’m eager to work with them as we shape a new paradigm for the construction industry.”

Newly appointed Company Secretary Helen Ruelle said:

“Laing O’Rourke’s purpose to push boundaries in service of humanity aligns with my own values. The ambition and drive of the company and its people are infectious. I join the company with a determination to contribute to this purpose.”

Newly appointed non-Executive Director Mark Foy said:

“This business is already leading the industry on modern methods of construction and advanced manufacturing and its reaping results for its clients, its people and the community. There’s much more to do and I’m thrilled to be part of this journey.”