Douglas has been named by the Ministry of Defence as the Chief Executive of Defence Equipment and Support.

He was appointed by David Cameron and will reportedly earn a salary and bonus package of up to £535,000 a year.

Douglas joins from Abu Dhabi Airports where he has been chief executive since 2013.

He joined O’Rourke from BAA in 2007 where he headed the T5 Project but left the contractor in 2009.

Douglas will take up his new role at the MoD towards the end of this year..

He will be responsible for the procurement and maintenance of the Armed Forces’ equipment overseeing annual running costs of around £1.3 billion.

Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said: “I am delighted to welcome Tony Douglas into the role.

“He brings a wealth of international experience and expertise in project and programme management, organisational leadership and business strategy, which will prove invaluable for the future of DE&S and defence as a whole.

Douglas said: “I am absolutely delighted to have the privilege of serving my country and supporting Her Majesty’s Armed Forces.

“Delivering their requirements with the utmost service quality and providing best value to the taxpayer is a responsibility that I take with real pride.”