Allen takes up the role as Mace enters the third year of its 2026 Business Strategy, which sets ambitious growth targets that will see it aim to reach £3bn of revenue by 2026 and increase operating profits by 20% year on year.

He replaces Andrew Beck, who took on a role as interim CFO in September this year following the resignation of Richard Bienfait.

Allen stepped down at Wates in July this year after leading the business for more than four years and overseeing its highest ever annual operating profit in 2021. Before that he spent almost seven years as Crossrail’s Finance Director.

He joined Crossrail in 2009 from Laing O’Rourke, where he was finance director of its European construction business.

Mark Reynolds, Mace’s group chairman and chief executive, said: “David has a tremendous record of achievement in the construction sector, both leading Wates – one of the most successful UK contractors – for more than four years, as well as direct experience of the delivery of complex infrastructure projects at Crossrail.

“Over the last two years we’ve seen significant growth in our revenues and our profits, and David is exactly the person we need to continue to deliver our strategy and build on our work delivering some of the globe’s most complex and challenging infrastructure programmes.”

Allen said: “Having spent nearly two decades working in the UK built environment sector, I’m hugely excited to be joining Mace at such an important time in the company’s journey.

“I’m looking forward to working with Mace’s leadership team and colleagues around the world to build on the organisation’s record of exceptional delivery.”