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Sir John Parker has decided to step down as Laing O鈥橰ourke Group chair on 31^st March, the end of the company鈥檚 2025 financial year, after eight years in the post.

鈥淥n behalf of Laing O鈥橰ourke, I extend our heartfelt gratitude to Sir John for his contribution to our business,鈥� Ray O鈥橰ourke said. 鈥淲e are deeply grateful for his steadfast stewardship and tireless commitment which has been instrumental in bringing our vision and purpose to life.

鈥淭estament to that commitment, Sir John has agreed to retain an ambassadorial role, which will ensure the company continues to benefit from his experience and wise counsel.鈥�

He added: 鈥淚 am looking forward to working with my son, our group CEO Cathal O鈥橰ourke, and our board members as we continue to implement our strategy to push the boundaries of modern construction 鈥� which is the only way to change the nature of the work we do.鈥�

He concluded: 鈥淚 have spent my entire career in this industry, spanning some 50 years and I believe it is the best industry there is, but I also know, now is the time to make the step change needed to improve the way we deliver major infrastructure 鈥� for our people, our clients and our delivery partners.鈥�

Sir John Parker said: 鈥淚 am proud of my time as group chair of the Laing O鈥橰ourke Corporation. I have always been struck by the high calibre of people who serve on the Laing O鈥橰ourke Board, on its executive committees and those people who deliver its projects across the UK, Middle East and Australia.

鈥淭hey are driven by a sincere sense of purpose, confident in the knowledge the work they do every day, serves humanity and improves lives. I have every confidence that Laing O鈥橰ourke will continue to build on its recent successes and achieve its goal to transform the business and the wider sector for future generations.鈥�

John Parker, aged 82, was knighted in 2001 for services to defence and shipbuilding, having been chief executive of defence contractor Babcock and before that the Belfast shipbuilder Harland & Wolff.

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