Chief operating officer leaves after long period of uncertainty over his role

Laing O鈥橰ourke has confirmed that chief operating officer Tony Douglas has left the company.

His exit follows a prolonged period of uncertainty during which talks over his future saw a tentative deal struck between Douglas and Ray O鈥橰ourke, Laing O鈥橰ourke chief executive and chair, that would have seen him stay.

Rumours first surfaced Douglas was considering leaving last month after reportedly becoming upset when he was not given the chief executive鈥檚 job by O鈥橰ourke.

He joined the company from his position as chief executive of Heathrow Airport in July 2007.

In a statement this afternoon, the company said: 鈥淭he global economic crisis led Laing O鈥橰ourke shareholders to rethink the original timetable on changing the group鈥檚 leadership. Having guided the group through a number of serious recessions in the past, it was felt appropriate for Ray to continue to focus on retaining cash and personally engaging with stakeholders in his ongoing leadership role. This decision was not taken lightly 鈥� and only came after a number of reviews to better understand the depth and duration of the current downturn.鈥�

O鈥橰ourke added: 鈥淭he original appointment agreement was entered into by both parties in good faith. As my fellow shareholders and I are now unable to deliver on the original intent, I want to register my gratitude to Tony for the respect and professionalism he has shown to Laing O鈥橰ourke at this time. He leaves the group with the board鈥檚 thanks for his many contributions and best wishes for the future.鈥�

Tony Douglas said: 鈥淚 am proud to have played a part in the ongoing success of Laing O鈥橰ourke and, in particular, I am proud of the great work of my team during my time here. It has been a privilege working alongside Ray and I do wish him and his fellow shareholders every success for the future.鈥�

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