Judd joined B&ES (then HVCA) two years ago and became chief executive on July 25 2011.

During his time with the association he rebranded the organisation and guided it through a turbulent time for industrial relations following fierce opposition from rank-and-file workers to the Building Engineering Services National Agreement (BESNA) deal.

B&ES president Sue Sharp said: “Blane has worked closely with the officer team in developing a vision and strategy for the Association – a strategy which I believe provides an excellent platform for our continuing effectiveness and prosperity in the challenging years that lie ahead.”

Judd said that “the time was right” for him to seek a “fresh opportunity that would employ his change management and innovation skills and experience to maximum effect.”

Sharp added that she and her fellow officers understood his decision and, although they were sorry to see him go, they wished Judd the very best of good fortune in his future career.

She added: “The process that will lead to the appointment of a worthy successor to Blane is already in place.

“In the meantime, our deputy chief executive Roderick Pettigrew will be ensuring that matters continue to run smoothly throughout the transition.”