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Kier directors depart as Claudio Veritiero named as new chief operating officer

Claudio Veritiero, Kier's new chief operating officer.

Two Kier board directors have left the company following the appointment of a new operations boss. A board shake-up and restructuring has seen Claudio Veritiero promoted from strategy director to chief operating officer, with executive directors Nigel Brook (construction and infrastructure) and Nigel Turner (developments and property services) leaving the business with immediate effect.

In July, Kier announced that it had recently begun an efficiency and streamlining programme called Future Proofing Kier. Veritiero’s appointment is seen by the company as key to Kier delivering the programme’s objectives. 

Veritiero has over 14 years in the industry and joined Kier in 2011 as the managing director of the services division after having worked as chief operating officer of Speedy Hire plc. He spent his early career with the investment banking business of Rothschild.

Commenting on his appointment, Veritiero said: “Having worked at Kier for the last seven years, I am delighted to be taking up my new role as we focus on the group’s three key market positions - infrastructure services, buildings and developments and housing. It’s an exciting time for the group and I look forward to continuing to work closely with the operations and supporting our growth in these key UK markets.”

Haydn Mursell, chief executive officer of Kier, added: “This change of board structure and Claudio’s appointment reflects the streamlining principles of the Future Proofing Kier programme.  Claudio has made a significant contribution to the group since joining in 2014 particularly in his most recent role where he has had a broad mandate across the whole group. I believe this experience positions him well for this new role and I look forward to working with him.

“Nigel Brook and Nigel Turner are leaving the board after many years with Kier. Under Nigel Brook’s leadership, our construction and infrastructure services division has performed well in a challenging and changing market. Nigel Turner has played a significant role in the growth of the property business and the development of the property team. On behalf of the board, I thank them for their support and wish them well for the future.

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