Meet Rowan Baker, Laing O’Rourke’s new CFO

We take a look at Rowan Baker’s history within the construction sector and what she has to say about her new role at Laing O’Rourke.

Succeeding Lang O’Rourke’s current Group Finance Director, Stewart McIntyre, Rowan Baker is set to join the company in September and will continue to steer the construction company’s financial direction.

The change will result in a gradual handover being actioned from September 2020 as McIntyre plans his departure from full-time roles within the firm in March 2021. He will, however, remain responsible for the finalisation of the 2019-20 Group Accounts and Audit. Moreover, McIntyre will remain as an advisor to the corporation board to March 2022.

Rowan has had a wealth of experience within the finance sector and has spent time in some very important roles including heading the retirement builder’s IPO at McCarthy & Stone since 2012. In addition to that, she also spent time at Barclays Bank as a Senior Project Manager, and she kicked off her career as a Tax Consultant at PwC. 

In addition to her wide range of experience in the financial field, she gained a masters degree at the University of Cambridge, graduating in 1995, in addition to gaining a qualification at the Institute of Chartered Accounts in England and Wales between 2000 and 2003. This large amount of wealth and experience will enable her to excel at Laing O-Rouke, having an impact on bringing the company further forward, following the financial troubles the firm faced in recent times, which McIntyre fought through during his career.

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Baker is “thrilled and excited to be joining Laing O’Rouke”.

She also said: “I am thrilled and excited to be joining Laing O’Rourke.

“I am impressed by its swift actions to build resilience during the current COVID-19 crisis and remain focused on the significant opportunities on the horizon, in both the private and public sector.

“I believe its pioneering focus on modern methods of construction, digital engineering and its direct delivery model via its own construction workforce, position it well to win new business in a sector set for change.”

In addition to this, the firm’s CEO, Ray O’Rouke said: “I am delighted Rowan will be joining us in this critical leadership role”. He then went on to say “there are significant opportunities and exciting times ahead of us and Rowan’s finance and leadership expertise will help us maximise these and continue our transformation.”

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