Mr Davies will join Kier on April 15, more than a year after he was left stranded by the demise of Carillion.

Having served as chief executive at Wates Group from 2014 to 2018, Davies was announced as the chief executive of Carillion in October 2017, but the firm became insolvent before he took up the role.

Prior to leading Wates, Davies spent over 28 years with BAE Systems, undertaking a range of senior operational and corporate roles, including group strategy director and, latterly, managing director of the maritime division. He is also a non-executive director of Chemring Group.

Philip Cox, executive chairman of Kier, said: “Andrew has a strong track record of business leadership and his operational experience across a number of sectors, combined with his strategic approach, make him an excellent fit for Kier. On behalf of the Board, I would like to welcome Andrew to the Group and I look forward to working with him.” 

Andrew Davies will replace Haydn Mursell who stepped down as Kier chief executive earlier this year after the firm launched an unsuccessful £264 million rights issue to help accelerate its debt reduction programme.

He said: “I am delighted to be joining Kier as chief executive. Kier has established market-leading positions through developing long-term client relationships and delivering excellent client service. I look forward to leading Kier in consolidating those positions and to bringing a renewed focus on simplifying the group, improving cashflow generation and reducing net debt, whilst maintaining the group’s disciplined approach to risk management.”

Philip Cox will resume his role as non-executive chairman from April 15.