John Laing Appoints Olivier Brousse As CEO
John Laing, the international infrastructure investor and asset manager, has announced the appointment of Olivier Brousse as Chief Executive. Olivier will succeed Adrian Ewer who told the Board last year of his intention to retire.
Olivier, who is relocating to London, becomes Chief Executive on 1 March 2014 with Adrian Ewer staying on for a period to ensure a smooth transition.
Olivier will join John Laing from Saur Group, the international provider of delegated environmental services management, where he was until last week Executive Chairman. At Saur Group, Olivier has been instrumental in transforming its partnership with the public sector and diversifying its range of services in France and internationally. Prior to joining Saur, Olivier was Deputy CEO of Veolia Transportation, the largest private sector operator of multiple international transport services. He has extensive experience of major infrastructure projects spanning utilities, transportation and environmental assets.
Commenting on today's announcement, Dr Phil Nolan, Chairman, said:
"We are delighted that we have attracted someone of Olivier's calibre to succeed Adrian. His outstanding track record at Saur Group and prior to that at Veolia, combined with the strong existing John Laing management team that he will inherit, reassures us that we will retain the solid platform that has delivered John Laing's great success. The Board believes Olivier brings with him the necessary drive and experience to ensure we are well placed for the future."
"Adrian has given outstanding service to the Company - 23 years in total, eight of which as Chief Executive. His leadership has been exemplary, overseeing the strategic shift away from construction to focus on our key target sectors of renewable energy, waste, accommodation, health and transport across the UK, continental Europe, North America and Australasia. He has helped turn John Laing into an investor and manager of infrastructure assets with a portfolio of investments valued at over £650 million. He leaves the business well equipped for future growth and, on behalf of the Board, I thank Adrian and wish him a well-deserved retirement."
Adrian Ewer, Chief Executive, said:
"I am honoured to have been Chief Executive of John Laing and to have worked with such a committed, inspirational and innovative group of people. I believe we have achieved great success in positioning the business as a market leader in privately financed infrastructure and I would like to thank my colleagues for all their support. The business is in robust health and I'm pleased that it is being left in Olivier's safe hands."
Olivier Brousse said:
"I am delighted to be joining John Laing, an undisputed market leader in investing in and managing infrastructure assets internationally. I look forward to working with Phil and the team to build on Adrian's good work and take the business to its next stage of growth and performance."
