Aggregate Industries has further strengthened its Major Projects team with the appointment of an additional Director, in order to increase customer focus as the company continues to deliver on some of the UK’s biggest infrastructure projects.

Darren Checksfield (picture left), who will take over the role of Major Projects Director, has a wealth of industry experience acquired over ten years’ at the Aggregate Industries business, most recently occupying the role of National Business Development Director for the Contracting division.

Prior to this, Checksfield had commercial roles at Costain and Accord Highways Services, including Head of Marketing and Business Development.

In his new position, Checksfield will continue to ensure best-in-class customer service within the business’ Major Projects team which provides strategic, centrally driven support to major infrastructure projects. Under the new structuring, Checksfield will oversee the overriding commercial strategy, customer relationships, stakeholder relations and new business growth within the team.

Brian Downes (picture right), who has been with the business for nearly 14 years and in his current role for five, will take a newly created role of Projects Director, Heathrow Expansion, and will manage this complex and multi-faceted project, whilst working with Darren.

Talking of the new structuring, Checksfield said: “Inherently it’s our focus on customer service that sets us apart. My new role, working alongside Brian, will allow us to focus on the complete journey for our UK customers and ensure they continue to receive the high levels of service they come to expect from us as the Major Projects division continues to grow.”

Downes added: “Aggregate Industries’ involvement in projects such as Thames Tideway Tunnel, Heathrow and HS2 has provided a stable base from which to develop our solution-based approach in some of the UK’s biggest infrastructure projects of recent years. It is a fantastic opportunity to work with someone of Darren’s calibre and industry stature, to help us to hone the customer experience and expand our proposition in collaboration with our customers’ requirements. I am particularly pleased to be able to lead the team on the Heathrow Expansion project, which is of key strategic importance.”

Commenting on the new appointment, Guy Edwards, CEO of Aggregate Industries, said: “I’m delighted to announce the strengthening of the team. Our customers are at the forefront of everything we do and we believe that our new structure will enable us to more adequately meet the evolving requirements of today’s major projects, while also helping achieve our ambitious growth plans.”