Contractors Geoffrey Osborne Ltd, parents of Chichester-based stone specialists CWO, have appointed Simon Murray as their new chairman.

Simon was formerly major projects director of Railtrack, where his responsibilities included the Channel Tunnel rail link and Thameslink 2000. Before that he spent four years with BAA developing and constructing airports. He also worked closely with Sir John Egan on the Government\'s task force on the construction industry.

He succeeds Tony Kelley, who has been a director of Osborne for 14 years, the last six as chairman, and who has retired.

Simon Murray joined the Osborne board in July and took over the chairman\'s job at the end of October.

Tony Kelly commented: "The evolution of companies seems to go in cycles and I feel that the company is now at the beginning of the next one. I also feel that the company has many exciting challenges ahead, such as involvement in ProCure 21 and a move into private finance initiative. It is therefore an appropriate time for me to hand on the chairman\'s baton."