Rebecca Hanley commences as Managing Director for Australia

Laing O’Rourke has formally welcomed Rebecca Hanley as its new Managing Director for the Australian business.

Formerly the Group Director of Strategy and Transformation, Rebecca has worked with Laing O’Rourke since 2016, initially collaborating with Founder and Group CEO Ray O’Rourke to restructure the business and refresh the vision to 2025.

According to Rebecca, “It is a real honour to lead Laing O’Rourke into the next phase in Australia.

“We’ve spent the last five years delivering certainty for our clients and developing resilience across the business. We have a strong order book in rail and transport infrastructure, defence, roads and resources, on which we will maintain a clear focus,” said Rebecca.

“I’m also excited to explore new sectors and markets where we can make a move and be successful. Now is the right time to put our head above the parapet and see what else is out there for us,” she said.

After eight years in the senior role, Cathal O’Rourke signed off as Managing Director of the Australian business on 31 March. After a break, he will take up a position on the Group Board as a Non-Executive Director.

“It’s a testament to Laing O’Rourke that we had an internal candidate with such an impressive capability, leadership style and commitment to the business. Laing O’Rourke is in a very strong position, and I know I am leaving the Australian business in a safe pair of hands,” said Cathal.

Rebecca brings a strong strategic and financial skillset to the role, as well as broad sector experience from previous roles in resources, oil and gas, advisory and private equity. She has driven Laing O’Rourke’s unique Executive Development Programme and has been deeply engaged in the Advanced Manufacturing, Innovation, Data, and Financial Turnaround initiatives.

Rebecca previously worked in strategy for Anglo American plc and in financial leadership positions, including for PricewaterhouseCoopers in both the UK and Australia. She is a Chartered Accountant with an MBA from INSEAD in Paris.

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