Laing O’Rourke has appointed Wayne Davies as Chief People Officer, a group-wide role with responsibility for shaping and delivering the organisation’s global people strategy. The appointment reflects the contractor’s continued focus on capability development, talent pipeline growth, inclusion, and organisational transformation across its digital construction activities.
In his role, Davies will work closely with the Group Executive Committee, leadership teams, and the People function to ensure Laing O’Rourke remains an employer of choice within the construction and infrastructure sector. His remit includes embedding people-led delivery models that support digital engineering, manufacturing-led construction, and complex programme execution.
Davies brings experience across manufacturing, aviation, healthcare, infrastructure, energy distribution, transportation, and financial services. He previously held senior HR leadership roles during a 15-year career at General Electric, working across multiple international assignments. He later led the HR function for Emirates Airline and a major Middle Eastern construction giga-project, before most recently serving as Chief Human Resources Officer in a private equity-backed services business.
Outstanding track record
Group Chief Executive Officer Cathal O’Rourke said: “I am excited for Wayne to join our business and the Group Executive Committee. He brings an outstanding track record leading people functions across complex, international organisations. His experience in transformation, organisational and talent development will help us deliver on our ambitions as we step up to drive a new delivery paradigm for the construction industry.”
Commenting on his appointment, Davies said: “I’m delighted to be joining Laing O’Rourke at such an exciting and ambitious moment for the business. Throughout my career I’ve been driven by the belief that empowered, well-supported people are the foundation of exceptional performance. I look forward to partnering with colleagues across the organisation to build our capability, strengthen our culture, and help ensure that our teams continue to deliver outstanding outcomes for our clients and communities.”
The appointment reinforces Laing O’Rourke’s focus on people-led digital construction, supporting capability, inclusion, and long-term delivery performance across complex international infrastructure programmes and future workforce transformation objectives.
Read next: Modular drone technology for digital construction – Build in Digital
Are you a building professional? Sign up for a FREE MEMBERSHIP to upload news stories, post job vacancies, and connect with colleagues on our secure social feed.