Outgoing boss will stay on in a part-time senior role from early next year

Balfour Beatty has named Richard Watts managing director of its UK rail business.

Watts will join the firm later this year and takes up his new role next January

He will succeed Mick Rayner, who has been with the business for 27 years and led the rail business since 2018 but who is moving into a part-time senior advisory role in 2026. 

Richard Watts copy

Richard Watts takes up his new role next January

Watts joins Balfour Beatty from Bam Nuttall where he was rail sector director.

He has more than 20 years of sector experience, having also worked in senior roles at TXM Plant, HS2 Ltd, Colas Rail and Network Rail.

Stephen Tarr, group sector lead and divisional chief executive of Balfour Beatty’s UK Rail business, said: “Richard’s experience and in-depth knowledge of major rail project delivery will continue to drive our rail business forward, whilst ensuring safe, high-quality projects for rail users across the UK.” 

Watts said: “It is an honour to join the Balfour Beatty team at this pivotal time as Great British Railways begins to reshape the industry.”

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