Balfour Beatty, the international infrastructure group, has announced the appointment of Joanna Vezey as Managing Director of its UK Highways business, marking a significant leadership move for one of the UK’s most influential construction and infrastructure organisations. Vezey, who will officially join the company in December 2025, brings over 25 years of experience in civil engineering, construction and infrastructure delivery, further strengthening Balfour Beatty’s leadership team at a pivotal time for the UK’s transport and highways sectors.
A return to Balfour Beatty and a wealth of experience
Vezey began her career at Balfour Beatty as a graduate engineer, before spending 14 years at Laing O’Rourke, where she held a range of senior leadership positions across both Australia and the UK. Her experience spans major programmes in the highways, water and power sectors, giving her a holistic understanding of large-scale infrastructure delivery and the cross-sector collaboration required to deliver resilient, future-ready assets.
Most recently, as Technical Director for Laing O’Rourke’s Europe Hub, Vezey oversaw a significant team of technical specialists spanning engineering, design, manufacturing and direct delivery, helping to embed innovation and digital construction practices across major projects. Her leadership in this space has been recognised across the industry for its focus on technical excellence, operational efficiency and digital integration, three pillars increasingly critical to the success of complex infrastructure programmes.
In addition to her industry achievements, Vezey serves on the Industrial Advisory Board at Imperial College London, supporting the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. Through this role, she contributes to bridging the gap between academia and industry, ensuring the next generation of engineers and technical professionals are equipped with the skills needed for an evolving digital construction landscape.
Leading Balfour Beatty’s highways business into a new era
Vezey’s appointment comes at a defining moment for the UK highways and transport infrastructure sector. The business is entering a period of significant activity, driven by the Lower Thames Crossing project, which received Government approval earlier this year, and the forthcoming Roads Investment Strategy 3 (RIS3). These programmes represent some of the most ambitious infrastructure commitments in recent years, focused on improving national connectivity, supporting economic growth and embedding digital construction and sustainable delivery methods at scale.
Commenting on her return, Joanna Vezey said: “To return to Balfour Beatty, having started my career as a Graduate at the company, is truly an honour. Whilst I am sure that much has changed over the years, I know that some things remain the same: the laser-sharp focus on culture, the incredible expertise and capabilities of its people, and its unwavering commitment to health and safety.
“I look forward to starting the next chapter of my career at Balfour Beatty and working closely alongside our customers and the many talented individuals that make up this great company.”
Strategic continuity and leadership transition
Vezey succeeds Phil Clifton, who earlier this year took on the role of Divisional CEO of Balfour Beatty’s Major Projects, Highways and Ground Engineering businesses, as well as Group Sector Lead for UK Transport.
Clifton welcomed the appointment, stating: “I am pleased to hand over the reins of our UK Highways business to Joanna. She possesses a deep knowledge of our industry and fully understands its complexities.
“With the critical Lower Thames Crossing project gearing up having received Government approval earlier this year, and the recent announcement on funding for the Roads Investment Strategy 3, I can’t think of anyone better suited to lead the charge as we enter an exciting period of growth.”
A pivotal moment for the UK highways sector
The appointment also comes at a time when the UK Government’s infrastructure agenda is increasingly focused on net zero targets, digital maturity, and value-led procurement. The Roads Investment Strategy 3 will be central to these ambitions, setting the framework for the next phase of investment in strategic road networks.
With major schemes such as the Lower Thames Crossing, A303 Stonehenge tunnel, and A66 Northern Trans-Pennine upgrade progressing, Balfour Beatty’s leadership team is positioning the company to play a leading role in shaping how digital innovation, sustainability and efficiency are delivered across the transport network.
Read next: Control Points Enter the Digital Age – 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.
