Richard Watts will is expected to Balfour Beatty later this year, ahead of becoming managing director of its UK rail business in January 2026.
He will join from Bam Nuttall, where he is both rail sector director, responsible for the overall performance and delivery of national rail frameworks, and in charge of the company鈥檚 highways operations.
Prior to joining Bam Nuttall less than two years ago, Watts had spent 15 years in the rail industry at TXM Plant, HS2 Ltd, Colas Rail and Network Rail.
At Balfour Beatty, Watts will replace Mick Rayner, who has been with the company for 27 years and its UK rail managing director since 2018. Rayner Mick will move to a part-time senior advisory role in January 2026.
Divisional chief executive Stephen Tarr, who is in charge of Balfour Beatty鈥檚 power transmission & distribution, rail and Balfour Beatty Kilpatrick (M&E) businesses, said: 鈥淩ichard鈥檚 experience and in-depth knowledge of major rail project delivery will continue to drive our rail business forward, whilst ensuring safe, high-quality projects for rail users across the UK.鈥�
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