Former group chief information officer and procurement director Chris Johnson has been promoted to take up the new post.

He will report to group chief executive Leo Quinn.

Prior to joining Balfour Beatty, Johnson was heavily involved in implementing change programmes via new technologies and processes within manufacturing businesses.

Under his leadership at Balfour Beatty since 2015, the group has mapped out and executed steady improvement of operational and back-office processes as part of Quinn’s Build to Last recovery programme.

This will now be accelerated through change and innovation in three core areas: project delivery through technology, digital project information and engineering excellence.

Quinn said: “Our industry is probably a generation behind manufacturing in deploying technology to drive efficiency and innovation – as well as historically resistant to learning and applying lessons from other sectors.”

Johnson added: “With enhanced BIM modelling, virtual reality, drones and laser scanning to name but a few, new technologies and data, when adopted, embedded and utilised effectively, have the power to transform the infrastructure and construction industry through lowering cost, improving quality and transparency and enhancing safety.

“Across Balfour Beatty, there are unrivalled opportunities for real step changes that will help drive improvements and innovation for the infrastructure and construction industry as a whole.”