Engineering contractor Balfour Beatty has confirmed a leadership appointment shaping the future of UK regional civils.
Balfour Beatty has announced the appointment of Kay Slade as Managing Director of its UK Regional Civils business, effective February 2026. She succeeds Mark Arrandale, who has served as Interim Managing Director since October 2025 and will return to his role as Finance Director at month end. The appointment supports continuity and long-term planning across Balfour Beatty’s regional infrastructure portfolio.
Legal and operational expertise supporting digital construction
A qualified solicitor specialising in major projects, construction and engineering, Kay joined Balfour Beatty four years ago as Managing Counsel. She was appointed Area Director for UK Regional Civils in March 2024, following six years at Costain in senior legal and corporate roles. Her combined legal and operational background reflects the increasing convergence of governance, delivery assurance and digital construction practices across the infrastructure sector.
Strengthening regional infrastructure delivery
Kay has played a central role in reshaping Balfour Beatty’s UK Regional Civils business in the North West of England. Her leadership has supported footprint consolidation, improved operational performance and delivery of award-winning projects across transport infrastructure, flood defence and coastal resilience programmes, aligning with national infrastructure and sustainability priorities.
Executive endorsement and talent development
Nick Crossfield, Divisional CEO of Balfour Beatty’s UK Construction Services business, said: “Kay is an outstanding leader whose deep industry expertise and proven record of delivery speak for themselves. I am delighted she has agreed to take the helm as Managing Director as we look ahead to a strong pipeline of opportunities and continue to deliver for our customers.”
Kay Slade added: “I am honoured to assume this role and to lead such a highly skilled and dedicated team whose work consistently delivers meaningful and lasting benefits for the communities we serve.”
The appointment reinforces Balfour Beatty’s focus on leadership development, regional civils capability and digitally enabled infrastructure delivery across the UK construction sector, supporting long-term project performance, resilience and community outcomes.
Read next: How AI-driven workflows accelerate time-to-value – 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.
