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Life after Ray 鈥�

It鈥檚 that time of year when people turn a bloodshot eye to the year ahead, so what better moment to share with you the industry鈥檚 plans for the future. Or, at least, Laing O鈥橰ourke鈥檚 plans to ensure a smooth transfer of power when Ray leaves the chief executive鈥檚 chair. The word is that a succession plan has been in place for quite some time. The general assumption has been that Ray鈥檚 son Cathal would rise from his current position as operations director, but I hear that this may prove a promotion too far at this stage. So could it be that Ray is planning to hand over day-to-day running of the business to Anna Stewart, Laing O鈥橰ourke鈥檚 group commercial director, who is increasingly seen as his number two?

鈥� and after Benny 鈥�

It also looks as if a management reshuffle is on the cards at Sir Robert McAlpine. I hear that Benny Kelly, the firm鈥檚 construction honcho, is considering taking more of a back seat after a couple of decades at the sharp end. So, if the company continues with its plans to develop the Olympic stadium, it may not be run by the man who gave the world Arsenal鈥檚 Emirates stadium. Whether or not it will be run by Vince Corrigan, Benny鈥檚 right hand man, remains to be seen.

鈥� but is Paul making a comeback?

Paul Morrell鈥檚 retirement from Davis Langdon may be a little short lived. After spending a few months winding down while overseeing a project in the Bahamas, Morrell is being linked to a role overseeing design standards for the Olympic Delivery Authority. Apparently the ODA is looking for a candidate who not only has design credentials but has procurement experience, too. Which would seem to make former Cabe commissioner Morrell the ideal candidate 鈥�

Credit: Scott Garrett

Art on the wild side

Everyone needs some down time, away from the stresses and strains of the working day. It is no different for Keith Clarke, the chief executive of Atkins. While many in the construction industry enjoy a spot of sailing or the occasional round of golf, Clarke paints nude models at a life drawing class. He recalls one noteworthy occasion when a male model revealed not only a giant tattoo of Elvis on his back, but also pierced nipples and a pierced scrotum. All in the name of art, of course.

The adventures of Jason

Has former Bovis chief executive Jason Millett finally landed another job?

After months of speculation linking him to Skanska, Amec, and numerous regional posts, I hear that he may be joining a firm in the retail development sector. Given Millett鈥檚 fondness for Manchester, could it be that he is heading for Peel Holdings? After all they not only have Bovis connections but also oversaw the city鈥檚 Trafford centre.

Hello neighbour!

Some companies regard the ladies and gentlemen of the press with the warmth and affection traditionally reserved for cockroaches; others embrace us with bonhomie. But regardless of how contractor Balfour Beatty feels about journalists, we are going to be difficult to avoid. Last month, Balfour鈥檚 Scottish and Southern division relocated to Ludgate House in Blackfriars, just over the river from St Paul鈥檚 cathedral, which is home to a certain 精东影视 magazine. While the move was designed to bring Balfour closer to its clients, my colleagues are looking forward to bumping into them in the lifts 鈥�