Tarmac strengthens water sector focus with appointment of new Water Strategic Development Director

October 30, 2025

Tarmacsustainable water infrastructure, the UK’s leading construction solutions and building materials business, has strengthened its focus on delivering sustainable water infrastructure with the appointment of Tom Rathmell as Water Strategic Development Director.

This senior appointment underlines Tarmac’s commitment to supporting the UK’s water sector with innovative, modular, low carbon, and digitally enabled solutions that address the sector’s growing operational, environmental and regulatory challenges.

With its experience in materials, construction, and infrastructure delivery, Tarmac is well-positioned to support utilities and delivery partners through earlier engagement, modern methods of construction, and smarter, more efficient delivery models.

Tom joins Tarmac with extensive experience across the UK water industry, where he has led major programmes, built high-performing teams, and delivered business growth through innovation and collaboration. His appointment marks a key milestone in the creation of a new water-focused business within Tarmac.

Tom Rathmell, Water Strategic Development Director at Tarmac, said: “The water sector is facing one of its most significant periods of change, with increasing pressures to deliver more resilient, efficient, and sustainable infrastructure. I’m looking forward to leading a new business that builds on Tarmac’s strengths in materials, products and innovation to help our clients meet these challenges head-on.

“We have a real opportunity to think differently, using modern methods of construction, smart technology, and systems thinking to deliver solutions that not only perform better but also leave a lasting, positive legacy for the environment and communities.”

Stephen Barker, Managing Director National Business at Tarmac, added: “Tom’s appointment reinforces our ambition to play a leading role in the UK’s water infrastructure transformation. His deep understanding of the sector and passion for innovation will help us engage earlier with clients, collaborate more effectively across the value chain, and deliver solutions that combine performance, sustainability, and efficiency.”