Laing O'Rourke has announced that Wayne Davies will join the company as chief people officer, coming into effect from 12 January 2026.
With a career spanning multiple industries – including manufacturing, aviation, healthcare, infrastructure, energy distribution, transportation and financial services – Mr Davies has held HR leadership roles for over 15 years with General Electric and also led the HR function for Emirates Airline. More recently, he was CHRO in a private equity-backed services business.
Once in his new position, Mr Davies will lead Laing O'Rourke's global people strategy focused on strengthening capability, building the talent pipeline, accelerating inclusion and transformation, as well as ensuring the business continues ‘to put people at the heart of its operations' so that Laing O'Rourke remains ‘the employer of choice' for industry talent.
Group CEO, Cathal O'Rourke, said that she was excited for Mr Davies to join the business, adding that he ‘brings an outstanding track record leading people functions across complex, international organisations'.
Mr Davies said: ‘I have long admired the innovative DNA, entrepreneurial spirit and values-based leadership that is synonymous with Laing O'Rourke. I look forward to partnering with colleagues across the organisation to build our capability, strengthen our culture, and help ensure that our teams continue to deliver outstanding outcomes for our clients and communities.'
