John F Hunt welcomes former Galliford Try director to lead water business

John F Hunt Regeneration has welcomed a former Galliford Try director to the senior leadership team, bolstering the group’s position in water utilities and water management.

Chris Leary joins John F Hunt Regeneration as water director, having previously spent four-and-a-half years at Galliford Try, latterly as operations director, where he led complex water sector programmes within regulated environments.

Before joining Galliford, where he served as framework manager and head of delivery – south, before moving into operations, Leary worked at nmcn for three-and-a-half years, also as framework manager.

He brings more than two decades of leadership experience across the regulated utilities sector, with a strong track record in operational delivery, framework management and major project execution.

Earlier in his career, Leary also held senior management positions at ECS Engineering Services, operating in highly regulated gas and water infrastructure markets, gaining experience in compliance-led asset delivery, operational performance and risk management.

Bosses said his appointment will further strengthen John F Hunt’s offering in the water utilities and water management sector.

Leary’s appointment also follows the recent hire of Galldris and Volkerfitzpatrick alumnus, Garrett Priestley as infrastructure and civils director, bringing nearly 30 years of experience in civil engineering and infrastructure delivery.

Shortly after Priestley, John F Hunt Regeneration appointed Sam Peck as managing director of its industrial dismantling division, further strengthening its leadership team.

Specialising in construction, demolition, engineering, and equipment hire, John F Hunt Group achieved £193.3 million in revenue in FY2024/25, up from £178.9 million.

Gross profit was £31.1 million, compared to £31.3 million the year before.

“We are pleased to welcome Chris Leary to John F Hunt Regeneration as water director”, the company posted on social media this week.

“We look forward to the contribution he will make as we continue to grow this part of the business.”

Founded by John Hall in 1982, who remains actively involved as chairman, the John F Hunt Group carries forward the legacy of his great grandfather, whose ironworks business thrived in London’s East End during the 1930s.

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