Justin Atkinson promoted within Kier Group board

Kier Group gave one of its directors a swift promotion on Wednesday, appointing Justin Atkinson as its senior independent director with immediate effect.

The FTSE 250 company appointed Atkinson to the board of directors on 1 October last year. He was previously the chief executive of Keller Group from May 2004 to April 2015, and prior to that its finance director and chief operating officer.

"On behalf of the Board, I would like to congratulate Justin on his appointment," said Kier chairman Phil White.

"Justin's skills and experience have enabled him to make a positive contribution to the Board since joining Kier and I very much look forward to working with him in his new role," he added.