McKechnie will take up his new role at the start of April as present managing director Mark Whittaker leaves Kier to take up a role elsewhere in the industry.

(l-r) Jamie McKechnie to take over from Mark Whittaker at housing maintenance business

McKechnie joined Kier three years ago as group procurement director and, in this time, has transformed Kier’s approach to supply chain management, introduced new sustainable technologies such as Flywheel and battery storage units and played a leading role in securing Kier’s Real Living Wage accreditation.

Prior to joining Kier, he held a number of senior leadership roles in his 25 years in the construction industry including housing maintenance, operational delivery and procurement for organisations such as Wates and Rok.

Stuart Togwell, group managing director at Kier Construction, said: “Kier Places is at an exciting period in its ongoing evolution, and I am delighted that we have been able to fill the role internally and that Jamie has accepted the role of managing director.

“With his track record of transformational leadership and his commitment to developing individuals and teams to deliver new solutions for clients, he is well placed to drive innovation and growth in this important sector.

“I would like to thank Mark Whittaker for his excellent leadership of Kier Places over the last few years and wish him the best for the future.”