Richard Offord, currently VolkerWessels UK’s chief operating officer and managing director of VolkerFitzpatrick, will become chief executive officer of VolkerWessels UK from the same date.

Robertson joined VolkerWessels UK in 2008 and has led the strategic development and growth of the group which employs 3,600 people across five businesses – VolkerFitzpatrick, VolkerRail, VolkerStevin, VolkerHighways and VolkerLaser.

Offord has been with the business since 1990, when he joined the former Fitzpatrick as an engineer.

Robertson said: “It has been an absolute privilege to head up a strong, robust and successful business for the past 14 years. I am proud to say that VolkerWessels UK has gone from strength to strength – not least, weathering the challenges of the pandemic over the last couple of years.

“I am hugely proud of our people and teams working across the business, in all roles and at all levels, whom I believe are second to none in our sector.

‘VolkerWessels UK has a unique culture, and a phenomenal level of support from our shareholders. Thanks to this, and our strong balance sheet, and robust forward order book and opportunity pipeline, I know that we have an equally strong future ahead.

Alan Robertson becomes the new company chairman

“It is a pleasure to be able to hand over to a colleague who is already well-known and respected, both within our own business and the industry as a whole.”

Offord said: “I am proud to have been given the opportunity to head up the remarkable VolkerWessels UK business, and to be able to continue the excellent work of Alan and our teams across the group.

“Alan and I have worked closely together for the past 14 years, and in particular for the past year, since I took on the role of chief operating officer.

“I look forward to leading the business into the future, delivering ongoing excellence for all of our clients, and providing a safe, secure and forward-thinking business which values its people and indeed, all of our stakeholder relationships.”