How will Laing O’Rourke’s new CPO Accelerate Transformation?

Laing O’Rourke has announced the appointment of Wayne Davis as its new Chief People Officer, effective from 12 January 2026. 

In this group-wide role, Wayne will lead Laing O’Rourke’s global people strategy, with a focus on strengthening capability, building the talent pipeline, accelerating inclusion and transformation and ensuring that the business puts people at the heart of its operations.

Maintaining positive employee experience

Laing O’Rourke had a successful 2025 in terms of employee experience, with the company retaining its Level 3: Disability Confident Leader status across UK business operations – awarded to organisations demonstrating exemplary practice in recruiting, retaining and supporting disabled employees. 

To achieve and maintain this status, companies are independently validated, and must demonstrate clear evidence of leadership, advocacy and positive action in disability inclusion.

Laing O’Rourke was first awarded this level three status in 2022, which made it the first Tier 1 Contractor to do so. 

Entering 2026, Wayne will work closely with the company’s leadership and people teams, helping to make sure it remains the employer of choice for aspiring talent in the construction industry and beyond. 

Maintaining this reputation and attracting top talent will be a key priority as Laing O’Rourke takes on several new projects. 

This includes the contract to deliver the Sydney Metro West Stations Package West project, which involves the design and construction of five new underground metro stations and associated precincts across Sydney, and a delivery contract for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games Venue Infrastructure Programme. 

Cathal O’Rourke, Group CEO of Laing O’Rourke, says: “I am excited for Wayne to join our business and the Group Executive Committee.

“He brings an outstanding track record leading people functions across complex, international organisations.

“His experience in transformation, organisational and talent development will help us deliver on our ambitions as we step up to drive a new delivery paradigm for the construction industry.”

Who is Wayne Davis?

Wayne’s HR career spans the manufacturing, aviation, healthcare, infrastructure, energy distribution, transportation and financial sectors. His longest appointment was 15 years at General Electric, and he has since held roles such as Chief People and Culture Officer at Qiddiya Investment Company and Senior Vice President of HR at Emirates. 

His most recent position was as Chief Human Resources Officer at building compliance organisation Premier Technical Services Group. 

Discussing the appointment, Wayne says: “I’m delighted to be joining Laing O’Rourke at such an exciting and ambitious moment for the business.

“Throughout my career I’ve been driven by the belief that empowered, well‑supported people are the foundation of exceptional performance.

“I have long admired the innovative DNA, entrepreneurial spirit and values-based leadership that is synonymous with Laing O’Rourke.

“I look forward to partnering with colleagues across the organisation to build our capability, strengthen our culture and help ensure that our teams continue to deliver outstanding outcomes for our clients and communities.”

His appointment comes as part of Laing O’Rourke’s wider people strategy, which is centred around building a diverse, healthy working environment. As part of the company’s commitment to making the construction industry more inclusive, it has pledged to achieve a 50/50 gender balance across the global company by 2033.

Laing O’Rourke is also developing plans to increase representation by providing its people with flexible working options, implementing a wellbeing strategy across the business to protect people from occupational ill health and investing in the upskilling of its people.