Kier Regulatory News (KIE)

Kier strengthens its executive team with two new appointments 

Kier, a leading provider of infrastructure and construction services, announces two new appointments to its executive committee, effective from 1 May 2021.

Sophie Timms is promoted to the role of Corporate Affairs Director and will report into Chief Executive, Andrew Davies. Sophie will have responsibility for Government Relations and Communications. 

Alpna Amar is promoted to the role of Corporate Development Director, reporting into Chief Financial Officer, Simon Kesterton. Alpna will be responsible for Group Strategy, M&A and Investor Relations. 

Sophie joined Kier as Group Public Affairs Director in October 2020 to support Kier's engagement with policymakers and industry bodies. She joined Kier from Zurich Insurance where she was Head of UK Corporate Affairs with responsibility for government relations, external communications and sustainability. She also spearheaded diversity and inclusion initiatives for Zurich and the wider insurance sector. 

Alpna joined Kier as Finance Director of Transformation in February 2020. Since joining Kier, Alpna has worked with the team and key stakeholders to strengthen Kier's balance sheet. This includes a range of capital market projects, the sale of Kier Living and a proposed equity raise.  

Prior to joining Kier, Alpna spent four years as Head of Investor Relations for TI Fluid Systems, a global automotive supplier, owned by Bain Capital, which is listed on the London Stock Exchange. From 2010 to 2016, Alpna served as Vice President of M&A for IAC Group, an international components supplier owned by Wilbur Ross. 

Andrew Davies, Kier Group CEO, said: "I'm delighted to welcome Sophie and Alpna to the Executive Committee and know they will provide additional strength and perspectives to the team as Kier looks to move into the next phase of its strategy.  

"With Kier's role as a strategic supplier to the UK Government, Sophie's extensive public affairs and communications' experience will be invaluable in supporting Kier's internal and external engagement, as well as ensuring we can help our clients to deliver on their long-term societal aims.  

"Similarly, Alpna's wide-ranging Strategy, M&A and Investor Relations' experience will be critical as Kier looks to build on its financial and competitive position and deliver its medium-term financial targets."  

Sophie said: "I am delighted to be appointed Corporate Affairs Director at Kier. Since joining Kier, I have been impressed not only by the scale of the projects and programmes it delivers, largely on behalf of the public sector, but also its strong credentials in delivering long-term social impact in communities. I am incredibly excited to ensure we keep colleagues and external stakeholders up-to-date with the progress Kier is making and the role infrastructure and construction can play in supporting recovery from Covid-19, rebalancing prosperity and the delivery of Net Zero goals."

Alpna said: "I'm very proud of Kier's tremendous success in delivering its strategy over the last two years and I'm excited for the next stage. The management team is extremely strong and I am confident that Kier will be well-positioned both financially and strategically to continue delivering value to shareholders."

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Notes to editors: For further information, please contact Kier's Press Office on 01767 355096. About Kier:

Kier's purpose is to sustainably deliver infrastructure which is vital to the UK. We are a leading provider of construction and infrastructure services and committed to delivering for communities and leaving lasting legacies through our work.

At the core of our project delivery is technical excellence, utilising the latest building methods, innovations and technology to ensure we offer the best value for our clients.In 2020, we launched our sustainability framework, Building for a Sustainable World. It focuses on two key components; environmental sustainability and social sustainability and this approach aims to safeguard three vital features; a resilient environment, a resilient community and resilient profits.

We are committed to attracting, retaining and progressing talent within Kier, with a diverse, and resilient workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

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