Joanne Conway has become chief executive of family-owned infrastructure services contractor FM Conway.
She takes the helm 18 months after becoming president and 20 years since she joined the company as marketing coordinator.
Joanne’s grandfather Frank Conway founded the company in 1961, while her late father Michael Conway took over two decades later and quickly grew the turnover from less than £1 million to more than 300 million pounds.
Michael became chairman in 2020, with Adam Green becoming the first non-family chief executive and holding the position for three years until he stepped down for health reasons this month.
Joanne’s appointment therefore marks a return to family leadership, as well as the company’s first female top boss. She joins Skanska’s Katy Dowding and William Hare Group’s Susan Hodgkiss as one of only three women in charge of CN100 contractors.
In a statement, FM Conway said: “Due to health reasons, Adam Green has stepped down from his role as chief executive of FM Conway. We wish Adam well and are grateful for his stewardship of the company over recent years.
“Joanne Conway will take on the additional role of CEO alongside her current role as Group Executive Chair.”
Conway said on LinkedIn this week: “I am delighted to share that I am starting a new position as CEO and Group Executive Chairman of FM Conway.”
When she was named president in May 2022, Conway was very positive about the evolution of the business under her father’s leadership.
“I’m proud of the business we are today,” she said last year. “We are a family company with family values that work to provide the best solutions for everyone using the safest, most innovative and sustainable methods. And most importantly, with a workforce of people who care.”
FM Conway is the UK’s 41st largest contractor by turnover according to the latest CN100, rising nine places after posting revenue of £478.1m in the 12 months to March 2022.
The company this year acquired Essex-based Flowline and its 164 administration staff.
