Lee Powell to take the helm at Henry Boot Construction

Henry Boot announced on Tuesday that Lee Powell, currently the chief executive officer of GMI Construction, would assume the role of managing director of Henry Boot Construction next January.

The London-listed firm said Tony Shaw, the current managing director, would leave the company at the end of 2024 after nearly 40 years of service.

Shaw began his career with Henry Boot Construction as an apprentice in 1985 and advanced through various roles, including regional manager and operations director, before becoming managing director in 2021.

“After spending nearly 40 years of my working life at Henry Boot Construction, now is the right time for me to step down as managing director,” Shaw said.

“This will allow for a new approach in the management and direction of the business and I extend my best wishes to Lee Powell in his new position.

“I am proud of what the business has achieved under my leadership and I am both honoured and privileged to have worked with such a great team of people.”

Lee Powell, whose 28-year career included senior roles at Wates Construction and Caddick Construction, most recently led GMI Construction's expansion in the north of England and the Midlands.

He expressed his enthusiasm for his new role, saying, "Henry Boot Construction has a fantastic legacy and an excellent reputation for quality.

“I am excited to join the team in January. At a time when our sector still faces significant challenges, we now have a new government who have put economic growth at the heart of their plans, and as a trusted construction contractor, we are ready to contribute towards this.

“I am taking over a business that puts its people, health and safety, and customer satisfaction at the heart of all it does and I will help establish a new impetus within the business that will appeal to a wider spectrum of customers who can also enjoy the incredible service that Henry Boot Construction can deliver.”

At 1146 BST, shares in Henry Boot were down 2.15% at 223.1p.

Reporting by Josh White for Sharecast.com.