Leighs Construction’s Board of Directors has announced the appointment of Gary Walker as the company’s inaugural CEO. Gary commences with the company in April 2021.
Gary is an accomplished and internationally experienced commercial construction leader who possesses a wide range of skills and experience developed through project and executive leadership roles in Europe, Australia and New Zealand.
Gary is well known within the New Zealand construction sector, having led Hawkins Construction through a significant program of change and improvement which resulted in Hawkins’ strong leadership position in the New Zealand construction industry today.
Prior to Hawkins, Gary worked on significant projects on both sides of the Tasman - most notably the $1.1B Melbourne Royal Children’s Hospital.
Gary is Chair of the NZ Construction Strategy Group, Deputy Chair and Director of Sitesafe and is a past Chair and Director of the NZ Green Building Council.
Anthony Leighs, Founder and current Managing Director of Leighs Construction will move to an Executive Director governance and strategic role for the company and will maintain a close working relationship with Gary, the Leighs team and key stakeholders.
Leighs Construction Chairman Mark Darrow says “Gary’s appointment is part of the natural evolution of the business and signals our growth plans, particularly in the Auckland market. Gaining someone of Gary’s skills and experience is fantastic and we look forward to his leadership and contribution to the company”.
Leighs Construction has grown and evolved positively since its inception in 1992 and is known as a high-calibre, specialist constructor with strong capability and a proven track record in building large and complex projects for the New Zealand Government and blue-chip businesses.
Leighs played a major role in the reconstruction of Christchurch following the devastating earthquakes and more recently has completed significant projects throughout the country such as the new Building C at Mt Eden Prison and new research and manufacturing facilities for Fisher & Paykel Healthcare.
Leighs are currently the preferred main contractor for the Taranaki Base Hospital and the Scott Base Redevelopment project in Antarctica.
Gary Walker says that he is very excited to be part of the Leighs Construction journey as the company continues to grow and thrive as an organization. Leighs strength is clearly evidenced by the importance of the projects they deliver for New Zealand.