Paul Sheffield is to step down from his role as managing director at Laing O’Rourke after little more than two years in post.

When he joined the business in 2014 Mr Sheffield indicated that his timeline was based on a relatively short horizon, having just left his role as chief executive at Kier.

In the period with Laing O’Rourke, he has concentrated on the firm’s strategy and value proposition and at the same time, he focussed his leadership team on the legacy projects, which have now been completed in the UK, and also on building a quality pipeline for the future.

“The business plans to 2020 are now complete and our vision to 2025 is well advanced and will be ratified in April/May this year,” the company said in a statement.

Chairman Ray O’Rourke said: “Paul and I feel that now is an appropriate time for him to step off and make way for others currently in the business with longer horizons.

“I would like to personally thank Paul for his tireless efforts and dedication over the past three years. His leadership has been instrumental in ensuring the business is now on track to grow safely and profitably in the coming years.”

Paul Sheffield added: “Laing O’Rourke’s client base, technical capability and opportunity to excel across a broad range of major projects, puts the business in a lead position within our industry. Delivering for clients is at the core of the Laing O’Rourke business ethos. I know the leadership teams in place across the business will continue to ensure that clients’ commitments are delivered with certainty.”