Press Release

Balfour Beatty, the international infrastructure group, has today announced the appointment of Joanna Vezey who will join the Group in December 2025 as Managing Director of its UK Highways business. 

Joanna has over 25 years’ experience in the civil engineering and construction sectors, having joined Balfour Beatty as a Graduate. She returns to the company from Laing O’Rourke where she has spent the last 14 years working across both Australia and the UK. Most recently, she was responsible for a significant portfolio of large, complex projects across the highways, water and power sectors. 

Previously, she was Technical Director for Laing O’Rourke’s Europe Hub which involved overseeing a substantial number of technical professionals across the entire business, including manufacturing and direct delivery.

In addition, she is also an Industrial Advisory Board member at Imperial College London, contributing her expertise and industry knowledge to support the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering’s activities and to ensure that it delivers its full potential as a centre of excellence. 

Joanna replaces Phil Clifton, who took on the role as Divisional CEO of Balfour Beatty’s Major Projects, Highways, Ground Engineering businesses as well as becoming Group Sector Lead for UK Transport earlier this year. 

Joanna Vezey, incoming Managing Director of Balfour Beatty’s UK Highways business, said: “To return to Balfour Beatty – having started my career as a Graduate at the company – is truly an honour. Whilst I am sure that much has changed over the years, I know that some things remain the same: the laser-sharp focus on culture, the incredible expertise and capabilities of its people, and its unwavering commitment to health and safety. 

“I look forward to starting the next chapter of my career at Balfour Beatty and working closely alongside our customers and the many talented individuals that make up this great company.”

Phil Clifton, Divisional CEO and Group Sector Lead for UK Transport at Balfour Beatty, said: “I am pleased to hand over the reins of our UK Highways business to Joanna. She possesses a deep knowledge of our industry and fully understands its complexities. 

“With the critical Lower Thames Crossing project gearing up having received Government approval earlier this year, and the recent announcement on funding for the Roads Investment Strategy 3, I can’t think of anyone better suited to lead the charge as we enter an exciting period of growth.”

                                                                 ENDS

All non-media related enquiries should be directed to +44 (0)20 7216 6800 or info@balfourbeatty.com 

Notes to editors:

• Balfour Beatty is a leading international infrastructure group with over 27,000 employees driving the delivery of powerful new solutions, shaping thinking, creating skylines and inspiring a new generation of talent to be the change-makers of tomorrow.
• We finance, develop, build, maintain and operate the increasingly complex and critical infrastructure that supports national economies and deliver projects at the heart of local communities.
• For over 100 years, we have created iconic buildings and infrastructure all over the world. Currently, we are working to deliver Hinkley Point C, the first UK nuclear power station in a generation; constructing the world-class arts and cultural facility, the Lyric Theatre, in Hong Kong; and designing, building, financing, operating and maintaining the Automated People Mover superstructure at the fifth busiest airport in the world, Los Angeles International Airport
• Balfour Beatty’s highways business designs, constructs, and manages many of the UK’s major highways. Through constant innovation and the use of cutting-edge technology, we support clients in creating more reliable and safer journeys which deliver an optimal highways experience to the travelling public and connect communities.