The firm this morning said Ian Baker, 42, would give up his job as group managing director of house building and member of the group board with immediate effect for reasons of sudden ill-health.

Baker  joined Galliford Try in 1995 from Midas Homes and became managing director for all housebuilding activities in 2009.

He will remain with the business until November 2013.

Greg Fitzgerald, chief executive, said: “It is with great personal sadness that we report that Ian Baker has had to step down from the executive board in the most unfortunate circumstances.

“I thank Ian for his contribution across his career with Galliford Try.”

He added: “The board has put in place contingency arrangements to cover Ian’s absence and we will update the market regarding the appointment of a successor when possible.”

At the same time, Galliford confirmed Development Securities’ Graham Prothero will formally join the firm as group finance director on 1 February.