Balfour Beatty has created a new leadership role of chief technology officer to support its growing focus on technology and innovation in the infrastructure and construction industry, and has appointed Chris Johnson to the new position.
Johnson, who will report to Leo Quinn, group CEO, is an existing member of Balfour Beatty’s executive committee, and has already served as group chief information officer and procurement director. Before joining Balfour Beatty, he was involved with new technologies in manufacturing businesses, implementing change programmes and processes.
“Our industry is probably a generation behind manufacturing in deploying technology to drive efficiency and innovation – as well as historically resistant to learning and applying lessons from other sectors,” said Quinn.
“Balfour Beatty must lead this change to drive continuous improvement across our business and ensure we are the best positioned to deliver for our clients, despite skills shortages in all aspects of construction and engineering.”
Johnson has executed steady improvement of operational and back office processes at Balfour Beatty within the first two phases of its Build to Last Programme since 2015. These will now be expedited in three areas, with project delivery through technology, digital project information and engineering excellence.
Commenting on his new role, Johnson said: “With enhanced BIM modelling, virtual reality, drones and laser scanning, to name but a few, new technologies and data – when adopted, embedded and utilised effectively – have the power to transform the infrastructure and construction industry through lowering cost, improving quality and transparency and enhancing safety.
“There are unrivalled opportunities for real step changes that will help drive improvements and innovation for the infrastructure and construction industry as a whole.”
