All change at Motherwell Bridge

MOTHERWELL Bridge, the Lanarkshire-based engineering contractor, which employs more than 200 people in Scotland, has appointed Russell Ward as its new chief executive.

The promotion of Ward, the company's head of business development, follows the decision of Hugh Hayes to move to a part-time role after seven years as executive chairman.

Ward joined the company in 2007 as managing director of two of the group's main subsidiaries, MB Engineering Services and MB Plastics.

"The promotion to chief executive is not only well deserved but it is a natural progression for Russell, and I believe he is now ready to drive the company forward as the economy starts to improve," said Hayes.

"As has been the case with many others in our sector, 2009 and 2010 have been very challenging, but we are now starting to receive more enquiries, albeit mostly for future years."

Hayes said he had decided to take "a step back from the frontline".

"I'm now going to move into a part-time role to allow Russell to develop the company, however I'm still a shareholder so will maintain an active presence – just from further away."

Commenting on his appointment, Ward added: "I'm keen to push on and develop our three principal areas of activity in bulk storage tanks, heat exchangers, and materials handling, all of which have experienced an increase in enquiries recently."

He said he was also keen to develop pursue further opportunities in the Middle East. In June 2008, Kuwait Finance House (Bahrain) took majority control of Motherwell Bridge.

Ward holds a degree in business studies with accountancy and has held a series of senior roles with engineering companies including Marconi Radar.