Strong growth drives change at BESIX Watpac
BESIX Watpac has achieved a remarkable increase in its orderbook during 2021 and the growth in the business has made it necessary to strengthen the Company’s leadership team to maintain trajectory and ensure delivery excellence.
The Company’s CEO since 2019, Jean-Pol Bouharmont has been promoted to the role of Executive Chairman of BESIX Watpac. In addition, he will also take on oversight of BESIX in the Middle East where he spent 20 years guiding the Group’s success on many of the region’s iconic mega projects, including the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa.
The company’s CFO of 10 years, Mark Baker has been promoted to CEO. As joint architect of the BESIX Watpac multidisciplinary strategy in partnership with Jean-Pol Bouharmont, Mark will guide the Company’s growth and further develop its strategic position as an engineering-led, multidisciplinary construction contractor in the Australian and New Zealand markets.
The leadership team will be strengthened with the appointment of a highly experienced Australian construction executive as Chief Operating Officer to oversee the successful execution of projects and the delivery of operational excellence. The successful candidate will be announced in January.
Executive Chairman Jean-Pol Bouharmont says the changes are necessary to keep pace with the growth of the business.
“The strengthening at the top of our business will allow me to maintain my optimal involvement in Australian and New Zealand operations while also being in the best position to bring global expertise, technology and methodology from international operations for the benefit of our Australian and New Zealand clients.
“The new structure will broaden our prospects in Australia while also ensuring we deliver on our promises and achieve operational excellence. I will continue to regularly visit our projects and meet with our clients just as I always have done,” Jean-Pol said.
CEO Mark Baker says it will be largely business as usual under his leadership, with a renewed focus on people.
“The growth of the business over the last 12 months has been extraordinary given the challenges of COVID19 and my focus will be on ensuring we keep pace with our success while retaining the lean and agile approach which appeals to BESIX Watpac clients.
Major Milestone for St George Hospital Stage 3 Redevelopment
A significant milestone has been reached at the St George Hospital Stage 3 Redevelopment – a project being delivered by BESIX Watpac for Health Infrastructure, with the construction of the new nine-storey Kensington Street Building reaching its highest point.
Celebrating the grand opening of a Brisbane icon
Works on the remarkable Kangaroo Point Bridge, a project delivered by the BESIX Watpac-led Connect Brisbane consortium for Brisbane City Council, have reached completion with the milestone marked by an official opening on Sunday 15 December.