In his new role, Mr Mackay will take both an operational and strategic view that supports the long-term aim of the business. He will lead the team of 120 overseeing new and existing developments across Aberdeenshire, Angus, Fife, Perth & Kinross, North Lanarkshire and Moray.

James, 32, has worked for the company for ten years and has built up his knowledge and understanding of the business during his time in various roles in the quantity surveying team before becoming technical director, director-in-charge and now managing director.    

He said: “The North Scotland region is among the most successful businesses in the Group and I look forward to playing my part in the company’s ongoing growth.

“My experience throughout my time at Persimmon in various disciplines has served as a reminder that teamwork is the key to success, and I am extremely proud of the talented people working for us in North Scotland.  They have demonstrated genuine empathy and resilience throughout the current restrictions and work very hard to support our customers.”

James puts his own success partly down to advice he was given in his early career by a regional chairman advising him to apply himself, work hard and take advantage of every opportunity that came his way.

He added: “For me Persimmon is very much a company that develops and nurtures talent from within. The support and learning I have experienced is second to none in the industry and I think that has allowed me to continue to progress through the ranks.”