Change of MD at Henry Boot Construction

16 July 2024

Henry Boot has today announced that Lee Powell, currently CEO of the national award-winning contractor GMI Construction, will assume the role of Managing Director, Henry Boot Construction, joining the business in January 2025. Tony Shaw, the current Managing Director for Henry Boot Construction, will leave the business at the end of 2024.

Tony joined the business as an apprentice in 1985 and progressed to a number of positions, including Regional Manager and Operations Director before being promoted to Managing Director in 2021.

Lee's 28-year career to date has included senior positions at Wates Construction and Caddick Construction. More recently he has spearheaded the growth of the GMI Construction business in the north of England and the Midlands, delivering large-scale projects for clients such as Siemens, Bruntwood and Muse.

CEO of Henry Boot, Tim Roberts comments: "I'm pleased to welcome Lee to the Henry Boot Construction business, who joins us with a proven track record and extensive industry experience. Lee's passion for delivering high-quality spaces and places aligns with what Henry Boot is all about - creating impact. Lee's primary focus will be to restore and grow the business and I very much look forward to us working closely together.

"At the same time, I wish Tony all the best in his future endeavours. He leaves the business on good terms and we appreciate everything he has done, contributing to the success of Henry Boot over the years.

Lee Powell said: "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. I would like to thank Tony for his significant contribution to the business and wish him well for the future."

Tony Shaw said: "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. 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. I will leave the business at the end of the year and look forward to spending time with my family before pursuing new opportunities."

ENDS

Notes to editors

Henry Boot is one of the UK's leading land, property development, home building and construction businesses - and we've been transforming land and spaces since 1886. Listed on the London Stock Exchange since 1919, we're renowned for quality, expertise, delivery and a partnership approach across the group - which comprises, Hallam Land, HBD, Stonebridge, Henry Boot Construction, Banner Plant and Road Link.

Operating across the UK, and employing over 500 people, we focus on three key markets: urban development, industrial and logistics and residential. Hallam Land has facilitated 52,000 new homes since 1990, managing one of the top five largest land portfolios in the country, with the potential to facilitate over 100,000 homes. HBD manages a development pipeline of £1.3bn, the equivalent of 7m sq ft of developments across our key markets, while maintaining a £113m investment portfolio, of which 73% of the properties have an EPC rating of 'C' or higher. Stonebridge, our jointly-owned home building business, manages a land portfolio capable of delivering 1,500 homes, with an ambition to deliver up to 600 new homes a year.

Henry Boot Construction has extensive experience in both the public and private sectors, including major projects such as the £200m regeneration of Barnsley town centre, and The Cocoa Works, a £57m residential development in York. For over 65 years, Banner Plant has supplied construction products and services, operating from seven regional depots in the North of England. We have also developed an ambitious Responsible Business Strategy to help us meet our aim of being Net Zero Carbon by 2030, and to deliver, by 2025, charitable, community and education work valued at £1m.

From land promotion, property development and investment to home building, construction and plant hire, Henry Boot is where great places start.

henryboot.co.uk

Enquiries

FTI Consulting

Richard Sunderland/Giles Barrie

07894 797067 / 07798 926814

[email protected]

Henry Boot PLC

Tim Roberts, Chief Executive Officer

Darren Littlewood, Chief Financial Officer

Daniel Boot, Senior Corporate Communications Manager

07825 088807

[email protected]

henryboot.co.uk

Deutsche Numis

Joint Corporate Broker

Ben Stoop

0207 260 1000

Peel Hunt LLP

Joint Corporate Broker

Ed Allsopp / Pete Mackie

0207 418 8900