Leighton’s speedy leadership shuffle

Senior Leighton Holdings bosses left the company yesterday and were already replaced as T&T went to press. The company based in Melbourne, Australia, was issuing announcements late into the night local time.

David Mortimer resigned from the board and his position as chairman and was today replaced by Stephen Johns, former chairman of Leighton’s audit committee. David Stewart, former CEO, also departed. Hamish Tyrwhitt, most recent managing director of Leighton Asia, replaced him to become CEO and managing director. Both appointments were made with immediate effect.

Johns said, “David Stewart has done a very good job stabilising the company, bringing to account complex issues that needed to be dealt with such as Brisbane Airport Link and Victorian Desalination projects and addressing issues in our Middle Eastern JV.

“David has overseen the successful transition to new leadership following Wal King’s 23 years as CEO and the start of a new era for Leighton.”

He added, “I look forward to working closely with Hamish and his senior management team. Hamish and I have complementary skills, with my public company experience and Hamish’s deep knowledge of the contracting industry and the Leighton business.”