Malcolm O’Sullivan (above) joins the business as director of the main piling division.

O’Sullivan joined Stent Foundations as a graduate back in 1997, rising through the ranks to become MD of Balfour’s ground engineering operations in 2013.

His appointment follows changes instigated at the company’s piling division last November as chief executive Mark Cutler – a former Balfour Beatty director – aims to strengthen the listed contractor’s leadership team.

O’Sullivan said: “I am really pleased to open a new chapter in my career by joining Van Elle at this exciting time in their journey.

“I look forward to growing the Piling division while supporting the development of opportunities and operational improvements across the wider group.”

Last month Van Elle revealed its finance director Paul Pearson had resigned from his role as chief financial officer.

It has also emerged that Henry Taylor-Toone, financial reporting manager, has left the business to join SIG.

Van Elle recently confirmed a record £35m order book ahead of its full-year results expected in July.