Kier’s chief financial officer Simon Kesterton will step down at the end of the year after six years helping to steer the contractor through a major financial overhaul. He joined the business when it was struggling with a heavily stretched balance sheet and rising debt.
During his tenure, Kier has returned to a more stable footing, with tighter cash management and significant changes to its IT and procurement operations. The group now enters its next phase with a strengthened platform and a clearer focus on financial discipline.
Kesterton will be succeeded in January by Tom Hinton, currently interim chief executive at logistics specialist Wincanton and previously its long-serving CFO. Hinton has built a reputation for cost control, capital discipline and driving growth in challenging markets, including senior roles at Infinis Energy and Domestic & General.
Reflecting on his time at Kier, Kesterton said he had seen “great businesses with great people and the opportunity to deliver something special” when he joined. “I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved at Kier and for restoring trust and confidence in the Group. After six great years…the time feels right to pass the baton,” he added.
Hinton said he was “delighted to be appointed as Kier’s next Chief Financial Officer” and that he saw “huge opportunities ahead for the Group.” The leadership change comes as Kier starts its 2026 financial year with an £11.6bn order book and 94% of revenue already secured.
