Jim Byrne was killed last week after being struck by a vehicle.

Kier Project Investment managing director Jim Byrne has died in a roadside accident, it emerged today.

Byrne, who joined Kier Group in 1993, was killed after being struck by a vehicle last week. The company today expressed its sadness at the "untimely death of a dear colleague."

Kier chief executive John Dodds said: "Jim was a well-liked and highly respected colleague - a credit to Kier Group. He will be greatly missed throughout the business and the industry." Dodds also expressed the Group's condolences to Byrne's wife and children.

Byrne joined Kier in July 1993 as a director of Kier Ventures, and worked closely with Kier Property to build up the Group's commercial property interests. He became managing director of Kier Project Investment in July 2002, and played a key role in the development of the company's PFI activities.

A company statement said: "An unassuming and likeable individual who always had time for his colleagues, Jim will be long remembered for his professionalism, his approachability, warmth and sincerity."