Willmott Dixon names replacement for long-serving Canney

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Former Laing O’Rourke director Philip Wainwright is joining Willmott Dixon as finance director after a brief sojourn at Byrne Group.

Philip Wainwright, an engineer as well as a chartered accountant, left Laing O’Rourke in March 2015 to take up a new job as finance director of Byrne Group. After less than a year with Byrne he is now moving again to Willmott Dixon.

He has been recruited to succeed Duncan Canney, who is retiring as Willmott Dixon’s group finance director at the end of the year, having looked after the company’s books for the past 30 years.

Philip Wainwright joins the Willmott Dixon board on 1st January 2016. His arrival will also see Willmott Dixon’s current deputy chief finance officer Graham Dundas promoted to chief financial officer.

Chief executive Rick Willmott said: “Philip’s arrival is part of our long-term strategic planning to support our corporate plans. His skill, expertise and track-record, especially in working for similarly large privately owned companies make him an ideal fit for our company and I’m confident he’ll be a great addition to our main board. I am looking forward to working with him as we shape the next chapter of our company’s evolution.”