Overton replaces as financial director, Andy Clark who leaves the business after 26 years in the post.

Overton brings a decade’s worth of experience from Colas, having become CFO three years ago.

He said: “I feel very privileged to be taking on the role of CFO for Tolent. I am really looking forward to this new adventure and very keen to know more about Tolent, its team, and its projects.”

Paul Webster, chief executive officer, said: “We are thrilled to have someone of Mark’s calibre join our organisation.

“It’s certainly been a very challenging couple of years for the whole industry and I am confident that Mark’s appointment to our executive board will provide us with strength and stability long into the future.”

Despite reporting losses of £8.5m in 2020, Tolent set a record turnover of £184m and has built a strong order book of secured workload for 2022 and 2023.

The firm recently celebrated a string of contract wins including the development of 132 eco-homes at the Vaux Brewery site in Sunderland while breaking ground at a £40m residential tower at Brett Wharf, Gateshead.