Kier, a leading infrastructure, construction and developments group, has announced three senior appointments as it accelerates its naturally digital ambitions.
Nick Barnes and Ron Chambers have joined the business as head of data & analytics and IT director respectively, while Hannah McIlroy, who has worked at Kier for more than 12 years, becomes the new group data director.
Nick will lead the execution of Kier’s Group-wide data strategy and evolving its Azure-based data platform to ensure it is scalable and delivering measurable value. His role will also see him lead on improving data literacy across the organisation, as well as progressing Kier’s adoption of AI and advanced analytics.
Ron returns to Kier, where he previously spent more than five years, latterly as Head of Systems. His new role gives him overall responsibility for the strategic delivery and operation of the company’s core enterprise platforms across HR, finance, payroll and data. He will also play a leading part in driving Kier’s attitude to data transformation and AI, working closely with senior leadership to drive the safe implementation of emerging technologies.
Hannah has played a key role in upgrades to Kier’s CRM system, as well as leading on reporting on sustainability and engagement initiatives within across Kier’s projects in the environment, energy and water sectors. Hannah will be bringing together these experiences to support a project first approach, where innovation and ideas are taken from the business and scaled.
(pictured from left to right: Nick Barnes, Ron Chambers and Hannah McIlroy)
Kier’s naturally digital ambitions form a key cornerstone of the business’ new growth strategy, supporting with improved productivity, better-informed decisions and connected people. By 2028 the business will have digital ways of working embedded across every function and project, making it second nature to its operations, people and ways of working.
Researching and implementing digital innovations will stay at the forefront of Kier’s strategy as the business continues to grow, with the aim of keeping the group at the cutting-edge of technology as the Group delivers vital infrastructure for its customers across the UK.
Louisa Finlay, chief operating officer at Kier, says:
A focus on our digital and data capabilities is central to our plans for the coming year and beyond, and these appointments put us in a strong position to deliver on our extensive ambitions in this area. Between them Hannah, Nick and Ron bring a wealth of experience within the digital space and an in-depth knowledge of Kier. We are delighted to welcome them to their new roles.
This investment in people follows a series of successes in the use of digital tools across Kier’s projects, including digital twinning at the recently completed HMP Millsike, with Kier’s digital approach to the project being recognised by several industry awards.