Women leaders recognised

The annual feature celebrates female leaders making a significant impact across construction and infrastructure, while helping to drive greater diversity and representation at senior levels of the industry.

Katy, who has led Skanska UK as President and CEO since 2023, was recognised for her long-standing contribution to the business and the wider sector. Having joined Skanska in 2003, she has held a variety of leadership roles and continues to champion the value that diverse perspectives bring to decision-making and business performance.

Speaking to Construction Wave, Katy said:"Strong leadership is about bringing together different perspectives, applying critical thinking and making decisions that create long-term value. Greater female representation in leadership teams strengthens our ability to do that."

The recognition follows another strong year for Skanska UK, with the business reporting revenue of more than £1.3 billion, supported by a number of major contract wins.

Meliha, who joined Skanska UK in 2022 as Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President, was also named in the list. In addition to leading the company's financial strategy, she has played a key role in overseeing Skanska's HS2 operations in London alongside delivery partners Costain and STRABAG.

Reflecting on the importance of representation, Meliha highlighted the role visible female leaders can play in inspiring future talent and strengthening organisations.

She said:"The challenges facing businesses today require leaders who can think strategically, adapt to change and build strong relationships. Diverse leadership teams bring a wider range of perspectives, which supports better decision-making and stronger outcomes." 

The inclusion of both Katy and Meliha reflects Skanska's commitment to creating an inclusive culture where people from different backgrounds can develop, lead and succeed, while helping to shape the future of construction.

Construction Wave's list also recognised women from across the industry who are leading businesses, driving growth and helping to attract the next generation of talent into the sector.