In a series celebrating the Building Awards finalists, we look at the finalists for CEO of the Year, sponsored by DGP
Earlier this year Building announced the names of all the firms that made it onto the shortlists for our prestigious annual Building Awards.
Now we are shining the spotlight on each category in turn and publishing a selection of the images that impressed the judges.
Today’s shortlist is for the CEO of the Year, sponsored by DGP.
Alan Brookes, Arcadis
Since being named CEO in May 2023, Alan Brookes has led Arcadis with distinction, steering the business through a period of transformation and growth while championing sustainability, digital innovation and people-focused leadership.
Since stepping up from the role of group executive for the UK, Europe and the Middle East, he has embedded a strategy that balances strong commercial performance with wider social and environmental responsibilities.
Under his tenure, Arcadis has delivered on landmark programmes such as HS2, Thames Tideway and the transformation of Manchester Airport, while supporting major urban regeneration schemes across the UK.
He has also advanced Arcadis’s climate transition goals, strengthened its digital consultancy offering and expanded its influence across key infrastructure and built environment sectors.
Brookes is recognised for fostering a culture of collaboration, diversity and skills development, ensuring that Arcadis not only delivers for clients but also invests in the future of the industry.
Katy Dowding, Skanska UK
Katy Dowding has been president and CEO of Skanska UK since May 2023, following a distinguished 35-year career in the construction industry. Her leadership is characterised by a commitment to diversity, inclusion and innovation.
Under her guidance, Skanska UK has prioritised digital transformation and sustainability, aiming to enhance productivity and reduce environmental impact. This has included pioneering net zero carbon solutions across its projects and embedding circular economy principles into delivery.
Key initiatives include low carbon concrete trials, smart energy systems in buildings and promoting sustainable transport solutions on major infrastructure sites, reinforcing Skanska’s role as a responsible, future-focused contractor. Notably, she has championed initiatives to improve health, safety and wellbeing within the organisation.
Dowding’s strategic direction has also led to significant executive appointments, reinforcing the company’s commitment to talent development and succession planning.
Her tenure reflects a dedication to fostering a collaborative and forward-thinking culture, positioning Skanska UK as a leader in the evolving construction sector.
Join us for the 2025 edition of the Building Awards
This year’s event will take place at the Grosvenor House Hotel on 4 November.
There are 22 awards being handed out, so make sure you are in the room for construction’s night of nights and to celebrate excellence.
Tickets are selling fast, so secure your place today.
Graham Dundas, Willmott Dixon
Graham Dundas has been the CEO of Willmott Dixon since January 2024, following a celebrated 25-year career with the company.
Under his leadership, the company has achieved significant milestones, including a return to profitability with a pre-tax profit of £28.6m in 2024, from a £14.4m loss in 2023. He has also overseen a record £1.3bn in contract awards, contributing to a secured order book exceeding £3bn.
Standout projects under Dundas’s leadership, include a £90m Passivhaus student village for Staffordshire University, a £61m redevelopment of the Army Education Centre and Military Working Dogs facility at Kendrew Barracks, and a £60m net zero town-centre campus for Bridgend College.
Dundas has been instrumental in implementing the “now or never” sustainability strategy, aiming for net zero carbon emissions by 2030.
His strategic direction has positioned Willmott Dixon for long-term growth and resilience in the construction industry.
Bill Hocking, Galliford Try
Bill Hocking has led Galliford Try since 2020, steering the company through a transformative period marked by strategic refocusing and robust financial performance.
Under his leadership, Galliford Try has secured significant projects, including the £69m Paisley Grammar School campus in Scotland, the £70m new facility at Campsfield for the Home Office, and the £31m Pride II project at RAF Wyton for the Defence Infrastructure Organisation. These projects underscore the company’s commitment to education, government infrastructure and sustainable growth.
In the 2024/25 financial year, Galliford Try reported increased revenue and a strong order book of £4.1bn, with 90% of the new financial year’s revenue secured.
Under Hocking’s leadership, Galliford Try has also advanced its sustainability agenda, embedding low carbon construction practices and modern methods of construction across key projects to reduce environmental impact and enhance long-term value.
Hocking’s strategic direction continues to position Galliford Try as a resilient and forward-thinking leader in the UK construction industry.
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