O’Lionaird, 56, will join Wates later this month from his previous role as chief executive at Stock Market-listed marine services company James Fisher and Sons.

He spent three years at James Fisher headquartered in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria. Before that worked as group director at global instrumentation and software provider Spectris.

Cork-born O’Lionaird will be based in Wates’ headquarters in Leatherhead, Surrey.

He will take over from interim chief executive Philip Wainwright who has been in the post since the summer last year when previous Wates chief executive David Allen stepped down with immediate effect after running the family-owned building contractor for the last four years

Wainwright returns as planned to his role as chief financial officer.

Wates Chairman, Sir James Wates, said: “Eoghan is a globally accomplished, motivational leader with an impressive track record in industry and we’re very pleased to be welcoming him to Wates.”

O’Lionaird said: “What marks Wates out from the competition is how it has rallied its people around a purpose greater than profit alone.

“This is clear from its commitment to making the built environment more sustainable.  I’m looking forward to contributing to the Group’s strategy and marshalling the resources needed to achieve its ambitions.”

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