Former Carillion managing director takes the reins of Balfour Beatty Vinci's HS2 JV

Balfour Beatty VINCI, the joint venture between two global infrastructure leaders, has announced the appointment of Mark Davies as managing director for its HS2 joint venture.

Davies will take on the role from Mark Cutler who leaves after a short handover period and had led the JV since January 2017. Cutler is said to be leaving for a new opportunity outside of the Balfour Beatty Group.

Balfour Beatty Vinci is HS2’s chosen contractor for lots N1 (Long Itchington Wood Green tunnel to Delta Junction/Birmingham Spur) and N2 (Delta Junction to the West Coast Main Line tie-in), with both contracts worth a combined £2.5bn. The joint venture is also currently bidding for further railways systems packages and Old Oak Common station, valued at a combined total of £3.8bn.

Davies brings a wealth of experience to the role with over 30 years in the rail, highways, water and nuclear sectors. He began his career with Henry Boot Engineering, spent 17 years at Birse Civils, and joined Alfred McAlpine in 2004. 

In 2008, following their acquisition by Carillion he assumed a number of business leadership roles culminating in his most recent role as managing director of Carillion’s UK Infrastructure business. He is also a Fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers.

Commenting on his appointment, Balfour Beatty VINCI’s new MD for HS2, said: “I am thrilled to be leading the Balfour Beatty VINCI joint venture team for HS2, to support the delivery of such an iconic major high speed rail project across the UK.”

The HS2 contracts awarded to the JV add to both Balfour Beatty and VINCI’s extensive portfolio with 30 years’ experience of working together. The firms have a successful track record in the delivery of high profile projects including The Channel Tunnel and current projects including Crossrail and the M4, M5 and M6 Smart Motorway package.

The HS2 scheme will create around 25,000 jobs and 2,000 apprenticeships across the UK, as well as opportunities for supply chain partnerships and local enterprises. Once operational, the new high-speed line will boost capacity on the existing rail network and improving journey times between London, the West Midlands and further north.