Laing O’Rourke has revealed Anna Stewart is to step down as group chief executive with immediate effect due to ill health.

Group executive chairman, Ray O’Rourke, will now assume her responsibilities as chief executive officer.

Ray O’Rourke said: “Anna’s medical treatment makes it impossible to continue with the full range of her extensive work duties and travel commitments. I can confirm that Anna will be continuing with the Laing O’Rourke Group and going forward will support me with a number of important strategic activities, which will be managed around her treatment regime.

“We, as a board, extend our very best wishes to Anna for a full and speedy recovery.”