Kier has appointed Steve Bowcott as managing director of its construction division

The arm was previously headed by Paul Sheffield, who is to replace outgoing chief executive John Dodds. Bowcott joined the £2.1bn-turnover company in January 2007 as a director of Kier Regional; he has recently been chairman of Kier Scotland and Kier Northern. Dodds said: “I congratulate Steve on this appointment and am confident his wide experience will prove to be a great asset in ensuring the future growth and success of our construction operations.”