West joined Balfour 12 months ago as as managing director of its regional construction business in the South of England.

But the division has been hit hard by the Covid pandemic and is “unviable as a stand-alone business unit.”

The south division will be consolidated into the north and midlands operations to form a single operating unit.

West said: “A year ago, I joined Balfour Beatty to lead the South business as it was on the cusp of a really exciting phase, with Heathrow expansion on the cards and other exciting opportunities in front of us.

“But unfortunately, Covid has changed the business materially and at the moment, it is unviable as a stand-alone business unit.

“Therefore, I will be leaving Balfour Beatty to consider pastures new and The Next Big Thing.

“As always, I am optimistic and hopeful that out of the pandemic can come a better future for all of us — in our communities, in our homes, and in our work. And this is the future I am committed to pursue. Watch this space.”

West joined Balfour from developer Landsec where she was Head of Development for their London portfolio.

Before that she was Commercial Director at HS2, Head of Commercial Procurement for the London Underground and Commercial Director at Tube Lines.

A Balfour Beatty spokesperson said: “Due to market conditions in the South of England, we are consolidating our Construction Services Regional South business unit into the North and Midlands business unit to form a single business unit.

“We remain committed to working with our customers to continue to successfully deliver our active schemes in the South of England and will continue to selectively bid projects where our expertise delivers value for our clients coupled with an appropriate risk return ratio to ensure successful outcomes for all”.