Industry veteran Ray O’Rourke will step down as chief executive of the contracting business he founded five decades ago at the end of this month.
He will hand over the reins to his son Cathal O’Rourke, a graduate civil engineer who ran the Australian arm of the group for over a decade, and recently returned to the UK to become chief operating officer.
Ray founded the business as a regionally based formwork and concrete specialist in 1977. He has been at the forefront of introducing modular and manufacturing approaches to construction.
He will continue to serve on the group board as a deputy chair, alongside his brother and partner Des.
Ray will chair the board nomination committee, drive innovation in construction methods, and be available to the Group CEO to meet with key customers, stakeholders and to provide mentoring and advice.
Ray said: “I am incredibly proud of our people and what we have achieved as a business.
“We have maintained a commitment to transform our industry, and our people are recognised for their ability to deliver complex engineering projects using advanced and sophisticated techniques across the globe.
“Cathal has enjoyed a successful career in our family business, spanning a quarter of a century and I have every confidence he will continue to lead our people well into the future, upholding the values and guiding principles that have been the foundation of our success.”
Cathal said: “I am truly honoured to be trusted with the leadership of our business and our people, and I am committed to continuing to work with our clients, delivery partners and all other stakeholders to lead positive change.
“Together we can continue to drive forward on our mission to transform our sector into a more sustainable and productive industry, embracing new and innovative ways of doing things, whilst at the same time, providing our people with safe, challenging and rewarding careers.”
