Wates has formally appointed a new managing director of its construction business.
Steffan Battle has held the role in an interim capacity since October 2023, taking over from Mark Tant, who left the business after nine years in the post. Now Battle has been appointed to the job on a permanent basis following a recruitment process for the role.
Battle joined Wates in 1995 and spent five years as a regional director before heading preconstruction at Wates Construction Group, including the company’s M&E contractor SES Engineering Services, for six years.
Wates said Battle’s focus as managing director – working under executive managing director Paul Chandler – will be “delivering to time, cost and quality, while ensuring the highest standards of safety across all projects”.
The company added that was “committed to nurturing an inclusive culture for everyone and collaborating with supply-chain partners to find innovative solutions to address the climate crisis”.
Wates’ construction business is its largest division, with 1,300 employees and an annual revenue of around £1bn. It is currently targeting higher-value projects and is working on its largest-ever job: a £500m gigafactory in Sunderland.
Battle said: “Our business is full of talented, committed people doing amazing work across the country. I will nurture an environment that enables people to thrive, a place where their voices are heard, respected and valued.
“I am an advocate of working with delivery partners and stakeholders to create the optimum balance between quality, cost and programme. It’s really important to me that we always seek to build a more customer-focused, value-enhancing offering.”
Chandler said: “Developing our people and providing exciting career opportunities is a priority for us at Wates.
“So, it is great to be able to confirm that Steff will be continuing in this vitally important position on a permanent basis. With almost 30 years’ industry experience, Steff brings a wealth of experience that will be invaluable.”
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