BAM Nuttall’s rail sector director Richard Watts will join Balfour Beatty as managing director of the rail business in January 2026
Richard Watts will replace current Balfour Beatty’s current rail boss Mick Rayner, who has been in the role since 2018. Rayner will continue in a part-time senior advisory role from January next year.
Richard Watts has over two decades of rail industry experience
Watt’s previous postings include twenty years of roles at TXM Plant, HS2 Ltd, Colas Rail and Network Rail.
At BAM Nuttall he oversaw overall performance and delivery of national rail frameworks, as well as the company’s highways operations.
Stephen Tarr, Group sector lead – UK Energy and Divisional CEO of Balfour Beatty’s Power Transmission & Distribution, Rail and Balfour Beatty Kilpatrick businesses, said: “Richard’s experience and in-depth knowledge of major rail project delivery will continue to drive our rail business forward, whilst ensuring safe, high-quality projects for rail users across the UK.”
Richard Watts said: “It is an honour to join the Balfour Beatty team at this pivotal time as Great British Railways begins to reshape the industry.
“I look forward to working with Mick and the strong team he has built to help grow and strengthen what is already a fantastic business as we deliver the next chapter of the UK’s rail network.”
