Balfour Beatty has announced the appointment of Richard Watts who will join the group later this year, becoming managing director of its UK Rail business in January 2026.
Watts has 20 years’ experience in the rail sector, providing transformative and innovative solutions to longstanding industry challenges, and achieving best in class outcomes in this highly regulated sector.
He will join Balfour Beatty from BAM Nuttall where he was rail sector director responsible for the overall performance and delivery of national rail frameworks, as well as for the company’s highways operations. Prior to BAM Nuttall, he enjoyed a successful career at TXM Plant, HS2 Ltd, Colas Rail and Network Rail, holding a number of senior leadership roles.
Watts will replace Mick Rayner, who has worked at Balfour Beatty for over 27 years, most recently as managing director of Balfour Beatty’s UK Rail business; a position he has held since 2018. Rayner will continue in this role until the end of this year, moving into a new part-time senior advisory role in January 2026 and continuing to play an active part in supporting the UK Rail business.
Stephen Tarr, group sector lead – UK energy and divisional CEO of Balfour Beatty’s Power Transmission & Distribution, Rail and Balfour Beatty Kilpatrick businesses, said: “Richard’s 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.”
Watts added: “It is an honour to join the Balfour Beatty team at this pivotal time as Great British Railways begins to reshape the industry. I look forward to working with Mick and the strong team he has built to help grow and strengthen what is already a fantastic business as we deliver the next chapter of the UK’s rail network.”
Main image: Richard Watts, incoming managing director of Balfour Beatty’s UK Rail business
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