He takes over with immediate effect following the departure of current MD, Andy Wall, who joined SES from Interserve’s London business just 11 months ago.

Wall leaves the business having restructured the M&E firm and put it on track to return to profitability this year.

SES said Wall has decided to seek a new challenge and pursue the next stage of his career outside of the Wates Group.

Knights joined the Wates Group in 2010 from Mace where he was MEP operations director.

He has been instrumental in establishing and growing its successful internal M&E business, Wates Building Services and now moves up to drive SES Engineering Services’ growth strategy.

He will particularly oversee the continued development of SES’ pioneering Prism offsite manufacturing business.

Construction group managing director, Paul Chandler, said: “I am pleased that we have been able to appoint an internal successor of Jason’s calibre to this critical role.

“I look forward to working closely with Jason and his leadership team on the next phase of the exciting growth plan for SES.”

Wates Group acquired SES in 2015. It is currently delivering its sixth M&E project at the heart of the major King’s Cross regeneration in London.