Marion Franks has brought a new level of professionalism and rigour to the Downer in-house legal role, at a time when the construction industry has been facing increasing pressure. Shortly after her arrival, she was instrumental in the successful completion of Downer’s purchase of Hawkins, a NZ$60.5M transaction, growing Downer’s presence in the infrastructure market to become the country’s second largest vertical construction company after Fletcher Building. Downer’s business has grown exponentially with the purchase of Spotless in the same year, changing the nature of the business from simply a construction company to a services company as well. Franks has dealt with all of the legal work of what is now a much larger company following a number of acquisitions.