Gilroy will be responsible for supporting and guiding the business in driving forward Balfour Beatty’s “Building New Futures” sustainability strategy.

At Kier, Gilroy was group head of Sustainability & Environment for three years. Prior to Kier, she was Head of Sustainability & Corporate Responsibility at the FTSE 100 distribution and logistics group – Bunzl.

Leo Quinn, Balfour Beatty Group Chief Executive, said: “While sustainability has long been at the heart of what we do, we must not rest on our laurels.

“We must continue to invest in and drive forward the sustainable solutions that will enable us to deliver the infrastructure required for a Net Zero industry. I am confident that in her role, Jo will help us do just that.”

The appointment follows four other moves across the business aimed at boosting and embedding sustainable practices.

Brian Handock joined Balfour Beatty at the start of the year as Head of Environment and Sustainability for Balfour Beatty’s UK Construction Services business. He joined from Roadbridge where he was Environment & Sustainability Lead.

Adam Newsome also joined at the same time as Head of Environmental Compliance . He joins from BAM Nuttall, where he was Head of Environment for the company’s Silvertown Tunnel project.

Michael Shanks was recently been appointed as Head of Environment and Sustainability to drive sustainable outcomes across Balfour Beatty’s UK Rail & Utilities operations. Previously, he was Head of Environmental Services for East West Railway Company.

Last month Jonathan Turner was promoted to UK Head of Environment and Sustainability. Reporting directly into Gilroy, he will focus on Balfour Beatty’s ambition of generating zero waste by 2040.