Murphy appoints John Cresswell as new Chairman of the Board

1. Murphy & Sons Limited, a global specialist engineering and construction company, today announced John Cresswell, current Non-Executive Director of Capita plc, has been appointed as its incoming Chairman of the Board.  Effective 1 November, Cresswell succeeds Alastair Kerr, who will retire from the position after serving as Chairman of the Board for the past 10 years.

John Cresswell said:

“I feel extremely privileged to take on this role at such a transformative time for Murphy and the construction and engineering industry.  Murphy is values-led, has a reputation for quality delivery, and a strong balance sheet. The Group has a clear longer-term ambition to be the leading family-owned construction business and a solid strategy to get there.  I am excited to be able to play a part in that journey.”

Cresswell brings substantial executive advisory experience to Murphy, having served as CEO of 215-year old family-owned business, Bibby Line Group, Arqiva and ITV.  His current tenures include Operating Advisor with Lazard Asset Management with the Sustainable Private Infrastructure Fund, and as Non-Executive Director of Capita plc.

Commenting on the appointment, Murphy CEO, John Murphy said:

“John has more than 30 years’ experience leading and developing organisations across a broad range of industry sectors, making him an ideal person for this role.  There is strong cultural alignment between John and the Murphy family, and I look forward to working closely with him to continue the standard set by Alastair Kerr. 

“I would like to thank Alastair for his leadership of the Murphy Board over the last 10 years, and for the impact he has made on our business.  Alastair has been instrumental in implementing Murphy’s good governance practices, building a professional family Board, and in demonstrating the importance of culture to the long-term success of businesses like Murphy.  I wish Alastair every success in the future.”

Alastair Kerr said:

“It has been both a privilege and a pleasure to help support the Murphy business over the last 10 years, and, in particular, to see it develop so strongly over recent years under the leadership of our founder’s grandson, John Murphy and his team.  I wish everyone involved in it every success for the future; I am confident that the business will be wisely guided by John Cresswell for many years to come.”

Alastair will stand down from the Board on 22 December 2022.