Kier, a leading infrastructure services, construction and property group, today announces the appointment of Niki Steel to its executive committee as chief human resources officer.
Niki joins the Group from IMI plc, the FTSE 100 British multinational engineering company where she has served as chief people officer for sector operations for the past two years. With international experience and a career spanning over 20+ years, Niki has worked across a number of industries, including home technology, digital education media and visual effects sectors for companies including Pearson plc and Dyson Group plc.
Joining Kier in August 2026, Niki will hold a key leadership role for the Group and support high performance of its c.10,000 people.
This role follows the Group’s announcement earlier this year to merge two of its business divisions into an infrastructure powerhouse led by Joe Incutti. Louisa Finlay is now the Group’s chief operating officer, having previously served as chief people officer and is supporting a smooth transition for Niki when she joins. James Askew assumed the role of Group commercial director at the start of the year and, collectively, the executive committee is focused on driving the next phase of growth as a leading tier one contractor in the UK.
Niki comments:
It’s an exciting time to be joining Kier, I can see so much opportunity for the Group and I cannot wait to join. Working alongside Stuart and all of the executive committee, I am looking forward to getting into the business, hearing and listening to colleagues and supporting them to help drive forwards the Group’s ambition.
Stuart Togwell, chief executive for Kier, says:
Niki is a fantastic addition to Kier and our executive committee. She is a highly experienced HR and operational leader, with a strong track record of driving performance across organisations in both the UK and across the globe. Her warm, energetic leadership style will play an important role in supporting all of our people and growth ambitions.
Earlier this year, Kier was voted as one of the best companies to work for in the UK by Glassdoor, with its professional development courses and access to qualifications crucial to the Group’s approach to supporting and developing its people.
This builds on its industry-leading employee engagement score and inclusive programmes, including Making Ground, which provides employment opportunities for serving prisoners and prison leavers, as well as its longstanding action to support those with a connection to the armed forces.