WEALTH September 30, 2026 0 Comments

Why John Butler’s Surprise Move to Linesight CEO Could Shake Up the Industry—and What It Means for Your Investments

Ever wonder what it takes to steer a global powerhouse in the construction consultancy world? Well, Linesight just handed the reins to John Butler, effective January 1, 2027 — and if you ask me, this move is both calculated and inspired. After a staggering 25 years climbing the ranks and expanding Linesight’s footprint across the UK, EMEA, and APAC — not to mention growing their APAC and Middle East operations from a modest crew to over 600 experts sprinkled across ten offices in eight markets — Butler’s no stranger to scaling heights or navigating the complexities of international business. As Paul Boylan steps back into a broader Group CEO role, staying deeply connected to the family of companies, John’s set to supercharge Linesight’s next phase of growth, focusing on turbocharging global reach, honing capabilities, and fostering high-octane, diverse teams ready for whatever the future throws. It’s a thrilling chapter — one that raises the bar not just for the industry, but for anyone thinking about leadership that’s as savvy as it is visionary. Ready to dive deeper? LEARN MORE

Global construction consultancy Linesight has announced the appointment of John Butler as Chief Executive Officer, effective 1 January 2027.

Butler will succeed Paul Boylan, who will remain closely involved with Linesight and its clients as Group CEO of IPS-Integrated Project Services, LLC (IPS).

Boylan will continue to lead this wider group, encompassing IPS, Linesight and Springtide.

Butler has built a strong track record of international leadership during his 25 years with Linesight, holding roles across the UK, EMEA and APAC.

Over the past fifteen years, he has built Linesight’s APAC and Middle East business from a small team to over 600 people across ten offices and eight markets.

Today, the region supports Linesight’s largest global clients, including four of the top ten technology companies in the Fortune Global 500, and has delivered more than 200 data centre projects across 15 countries.

As Linesight enters its next phase of growth, Butler will focus on expanding its global reach, strengthening its capabilities and continuing to build high-performing and diverse teams to meet the evolving needs of clients.

Scott Halyday will succeed Butler as Managing Director, APAC and the GCC and join Linesight’s Global Executive team.

Based in Singapore, Halyday joined Linesight in 2018 and brings more than 20 years’ experience leading complex programmes and client relationships across APAC and international markets.

He will lead a strategically important region for Linesight, spanning eight markets and a diverse client base across data centres, life sciences, high-tech industrial and commercial sectors.

Paul Boylan, Group CEO of IPS-Integrated Project Services, LLC, said: “I’d like to congratulate John on his appointment as CEO of Linesight. John is an exceptional leader with a deep understanding of our business, our people and our clients.

“He has worked with many of our largest global clients and played a significant role in scaling Linesight across international markets.

“That depth of knowledge, experience and perspective positions him strongly to lead the business as Linesight enters its next phase. I’m delighted to see him step into the role and look forward to working with him as Group CEO.”

Butler added: “I am incredibly proud to be appointed CEO of Linesight. I started my career here as a graduate, and over the years I have seen first-hand the strength of our people, the trust our clients place in us and how far we have come as a global business.

“I would like to thank Paul for his leadership and the significant contribution he has made to Linesight, and I look forward to continuing to work closely with him as Group CEO.

“Linesight has built a strong reputation through deep expertise and a genuine understanding of our clients’ businesses, and those qualities will continue to define us.

“As we enter our next phase, we have a significant opportunity to build on what we have achieved, strengthen our capabilities, continue to build high-performing and diverse teams, and extend our reach in the markets where our clients are investing and growing.”

Today, the group comprises of more than 4,500 people and generates approximately $2 billion in net revenue, providing multi-sector solutions through its specialist brands.

Photo: Linesight’s Paul Boylan and John Butler