The decision to promote former operations manager Tony Aikenhead to chief executive is part of a wider business shake-up following a review of Sir Robert McAlpine’s management and governance structure.

The group construction business, which suffered a £90m loss last year mainly from a single London residential scheme, will now be split into separate building and civil engineering divisions.

Building remains organised by regions with sector and key account support. Civil engineering will be organised as a national division organised around key specialisms and skills.

The sweeping business review, which included feedback from clients and all staff, was undertaken to ensure the company is focused on key growth areas.

Aikenhead will lead a new eight-strong construction board, which will consist of a new generation of McAlpines, and is structured around more traditional corporate reporting lines.

Senior family members – Callum, David and Andrew – move to a new supervisory board which will retain a close association with the business and represent family shareholders.

On the new main board Gavin McAlpine will become non-executive chairman, combining this with his role as executive chairman at RES, the McAlpine family’s renewable energy business.

Hector McAlpine will become deputy chairman and Edward McAlpine will take on the role of director of corporate development.

Other directors include: Boyd McFee, responsible for building; Mark Williamson covering civil engineering; Martin Pitt, commercial director; and Miles Shelley, finance director.

David McAlpine said: “The changes we are announcing today reflect the progression of the business and the natural generational succession of the McAlpine family.

“I am delighted that the new board structure retains the best of the company’s heritage through strong family engagement. I have absolute confidence in the vision, energy and focus of the new construction board.”