Keller Group’s chief executive, Justin Atkinson, intends to retire from Keller at the end of 2015.

The company has begun the process of finding a successor to Atkinson’s role.

Atkinson joined Keller in 1990. The company has grown significantly since then, particularly in international markets. He will be 55 when he officially retires.

“Particularly during recent years, this has meant an ever increasing amount of overseas travel, which is not something I can continue to commit to,” Atkinson says. “In the meantime, I shall continue to work diligently with the executive team to deliver the group strategy.”

The timing of the decision gives Keller the necessary time to complete an orderly handover to a successor.

“Justin is a highly effective chief executive officer of Keller,” says Roy Franklin, the company’s chairman. “Under his leadership, and with the support of a strong executive team, the business has undergone significant transformation and operational improvement with compound TSR growth at around 17 percent in the 10 years since Justin’s appointment as chief executive.”

The financial arrangements related to the retirement will be reported when Atkinson steps down.

Keller offers the construction and civil engineering sectors a variety of ground engineering services. It has more than $2 billion in annual revenue and about 7,000 employees worldwide. For more information about Keller Group, visit www.keller.co.uk