Galliford Try boss Bill Hocking named ‘CEO of the Year’

Galliford Try boss Bill Hocking was named CEO of the Year at the PLC Awards this week, the annual event that recognises the activities of certain companies listed on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange (LSE).

Hocking, who became chief executive of Galliford Try in 2020, was celebrated for his leadership over the last 12 months as well as during the six years of his tenure.

Last year, Hocking led the delivery of the group’s fifth period of revenue and profit growth, to £1.9 billion and 3 per cent respectively, including hitting the 3 per cent margin target a year early.

Under his watch, Galliford Try has delivered 352 per cent total shareholder returns between July 2020 and June 2025, with its share price rising from 103 pence to more than 530 pence, before debuting on the FTSE 250 as a standalone construction business in October last year.

The CEO of the Year award, sponsored by Citi Commercial Bank, recognises standout leaders among their FTSE 100 and FTSE 250 peers, crediting their vision and leadership.

Kier Group chief executive Andrew Davies was also nominated in the CEO of the Year category.

A disciplined approach to risk management and contract selection last year resulted in a high-quality record order book for Galliford Try, valued at £4.1 billion, 93 per cent of which is with repeat clients.

In recognition of this, the contractor was also a finalist for Company of the Year.

Commenting on his award, Hocking said: “I’m honoured to receive this recognition, which really belongs to everyone in Galliford Try. The hard work, commitment to safety, and successful delivery of our projects is earning Galliford Try recognition as a leader in construction, and among the very best of UK companies, and I count myself fortunate to work with such an excellent team, who continue to raise the bar.”

This year was the 41st anniversary of the PLC Awards, held at the Grosvenor House Hotel, in London, and sponsored by accounting firm BDO.

It was attended by plc company chairmen, CEOs, CFOs, investment bankers, fund managers, analysts, IR executives, corporate advisers and pre-IPO companies.

Other sponsors on the night included Rothschild & Co, Squire Patton Boggs, and Berenberg.

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