The changes were outlined to O’Rourke staff in a series of emails yesterday from chairman Ray O’Rourke and European chief executive Roger Robinson seen by the Enquirer.

The moves are part of the contractor’s “2020 plan” designed to establish O’Rourke over the next decade as a leader in the building, rail, power, oil and gas and mining infrastructure sectors.

O’Rourke veteran Steve Hollingshead is moving to Australia for three years to take the role of Chief Operating Officer as the firm’s operations expand rapidly in the region.

Hollingshead currently manages the European Infrastructure and Specialist businesses and will work alongside Andrew Wilson who becomes Chief Executive Australia.

Crown House managing director Liam Cummins has been appointed Managing Director of the Middle East business and will take up his new role in January.

Mike Lewis will take over as head of Crown House following his success running the Wales and West business.

Andrew Jackson, head of O’Rourke’s northern construction operations in the UK, will move in the New Year to Canada as managing director of the firm’s growing operations in the country.

The UK construction business is also being reorganised as North, (including Scotland and Ireland), led by Callum Tuckett and the South (including Wales and West), led by Mark Richardson, supported by Darryn Parry in Wales & West.

Andy Crompton becomes Infrastructure Business Unit Leader, including the Expanded business and Explore Manufacturing and Philip Wainwright continues as Business Unit Leader of Select Plant.

O’Rourke’s 2012 Olympics team led by Ian Galloway will also form the nucleus of a major projects unit which will chase mega-schemes worldwide once the games are over.