Watts will be a part of Balfour later this 12 months and grow to be Managing Director of the UK Rail enterprise in January 2026.
At BAM he was answerable for the general efficiency and supply of nationwide rail frameworks, in addition to for the corporate’s highways operations.
Watts has 20 years’ expertise within the rail sector together with stints at TXM Plant, HS2 Ltd, Colas Rail and Community Rail.
He’ll substitute Mick Rayner, who has labored at Balfour Beatty for over 27 years, most just lately as Managing Director of Balfour Beatty’s UK Rail enterprise; a place he has held since 2018.
Rayner will proceed in his position till the tip of this 12 months, shifting into a brand new part-time Senior Advisory position in January 2026 and persevering with to play an energetic half in supporting the UK Rail enterprise.
Stephen Tarr, Group Sector Lead – UK Power and Divisional CEO of Balfour Beatty’s Energy Transmission & Distribution, Rail and Balfour Beatty Kilpatrick companies stated: “Richard’s expertise and in-depth information of main rail venture supply will proceed to drive our rail enterprise ahead, while guaranteeing secure, high-quality tasks for rail customers throughout the UK.”
Watts stated: “It’s an honour to affix the Balfour Beatty workforce at this pivotal time as Nice British Railways begins to reshape the trade.
“I sit up for working with Mick and the sturdy workforce he has constructed to assist develop and strengthen what’s already a unbelievable enterprise as we ship the following chapter of the UK’s rail community.”
