Boutrolle has been with the Bouygues Group for 26 years – including 24 in the UK.

He was also previously CEO of Uliving, Linkcity’s student accommodation brand, and was director for Residential Development for Linkcity across the UK with a focus on build-to-rent and estate regeneration projects.

He takes over from Nicolas Guérin who has been MD of Linkcity since 2012 and has left to become an MD at private equity investor BC Partners.

Axel will lead the team responsible for developing schemes such as Hallsville Quarter in Canning Town, one of the biggest urban regeneration projects in the UK.

Fabienne Viala, Chair of Bouygues Construction UK, said: “Linkcity is a key part of our business in the UK and I look forward to working closely with Axel as we look to grow our property development activities further.

“I would like to thank Nicolas for developing Linkcity and turning it into a successful and sustainable business and for his great contribution to the wider Bouygues Group.”