Shafi joined Sisk in 2013, initially managing the firm’s UAE division before taking up the position as managing director for the UK South business.

He has been in this role for the last six years, driving the growth of that business in London, Birmingham, and the Ox-Cam arc, with landmark projects including the Royal Academy of Arts, several residential jobs at Wembley Park for Quintain and the Mercian, Birmingham’s tallest residential tower.

Brown said: “We look forward to continuing to deliver for our clients in the UK under Ajaz’s leadership and to expanding our construction and civils presence in key sectors such as data centres and life sciences and grow our regional presence in the North and North east as well as the home counties.”

Shafi said: “I am delighted to be entrusted with this new role and look forward to successfully growing the business, working closely with our talented teams, excellent clients and trusted supply chain.”

Shafi is a civil engineer with over 30 years’ experience working for major contracting organisations in the UK, Hong Kong, India and the Middle East.

In addition to Shafi’s appointment in the UK, construction board director Mark McGreevy has been appointed to the new role of chief commercial officer for John Sisk & Son.

Mark McGreevy takes newly-created chief commercial officer role at group

Brown said: “This is a vital role spanning the whole business, driving consistency, best practice, quality of earnings and the commercial strategy across all divisions in Ireland, the UK and Europe.

“We are facing unprecedented market variables now and this role will be central to managing our business risks effectively and supporting myself and the board on the delivery of our key strategic priorities in the coming years.”