Friend new chief executive at Laing

John Laing plc has announced today (Wednesday) that Andy Friend will be the new group chief executive from the start of July.

Friend, currently managing director of the group's principal operating subsidiary Laing Investments and a main Board director, has been managing director of Laing Investments Ltd since 1999.

He joined from Macquarie Bank, where he specialised in private financing of public infrastructure, and prior to that was chief
executive of the City of Melbourne where he oversaw an extensive process of public sector reform.

Bill Forrester, who was appointed executive chairman in February 2002, is to become non-executive chairman.