Illness forces changes at top of Laing O’Rourke

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Laing O’Rourke group chief executive Anna Stewart has stepped down due to ill health.

Executive chairman and major shareholder Ray O’Rourke has taken over her responsibilities, assuming full day-to-day control of the business.

Ray O’Rourke commented: “Anna’s medical treatment makes it impossible to continue with the full range of her extensive work duties and travel commitments.  I can confirm that Anna will be continuing with the Laing O’Rourke Group and going forward will support me with a number of important strategic activities, which will be managed around her treatment regime. We, as a board, extend our very best wishes to Anna for a full and speedy recovery.”

Anna Stewart worked for Laing Construction at the time of its acquisition by R O’Rourke & Son in 2001. She was appointed group commercial director in 2004, group director of finance and commerce in 2010 Anna and group chief executive in April 2013.