Kier seeks new chief executive

Kier has started its search for a successor to chief executive John Dodds.

Four high-ranking executives are believed to have thrown their hats into the ring to run the country’s fifth-biggest construction contractor.

According to sources close to the company, two existing Kier directors are in talks with the firm, along with a director from a rival contractor and a senior businessman from outside construction.

Leading headhunters are thought to be helping Kier chairman Phil White with the search for a high profile business leader.

A spokesman for Kier said:  “As you would expect, Phil White, chairman of Kier has started the process of succession planning at Kier, although John Dodds is not expected to retire for some time.”

“Deena Mattar is not part of the process and will remain as finance director.”

Previously, there has been speculation that Mattar, 44, who is married to Dodds, would be a likely contender for the top job.

But Paul Sheffield, 48, Kier Construction director, is now said to be a strong potential internal candidate along with fellow director Ian Lawson,52, who heads up support services.

Howard Seymour, analyst at Numis Securities, said: “If Dodds was to leave, and it looks like he is enjoying his job at present, I would be very surprised if it went externally.”

Kier is renowned for a strong internal promotion policy, but news that it is searching outside has fired speculation the firm could try to lure a high-ranking director like Tony Douglas from Laing O’Rourke, which is now being restructured.

Another rival director said: “Kier needs a real hands-on industry man to put it on track.”

Dodds was appointed chief executive in May 2003 and has been with the group since 1970.

He spent time overseas working particularly in Africa and Hong Kong, returning to the UK to lead the civil engineering business.

Following the buyout, he was responsible for major projects, mining and international operations and
was chairman of Kier Project Investment.