These changes to take immediate effect will see chief executive Michael Thirkettle take a non-executive senior advisory position and Clive Docwra, currently director with responsibility for project management and surveying services, become managing director.

Director of design Mark Leeson will become operations director while Gareth Hird, currently commercial director, will be joining the holding company RSBG Infrastructure to become development director, overseeing strategic development for the group of companies, including McBains.

The changes follow the acquisition of McBains in September 2017 by German investment firm RSBG Infrastructure and will help consolidate and grow the company both in the UK and internationally as well as strengthening the synergies between McBains and the wider group of companies.

Tushar Prabhu, chairman of McBains and CEO of RSBG Infrastructure, said: “RSBG Infrastructure’s acquisition of McBains has enabled the company to increase the strength and depth of its service range, resources and the breadth of its professional services. Today’s senior management changes build on this and will mean McBains can further improve its high quality service to existing and new clients.

“I want to thank Michael Thirkettle for his leadership and vision over the last 15 years which has seen McBains cement a reputation for excellence and become a leader in the field of collaborative working. McBains will continue to benefit from his experience through his involvement in a non-executive capacity.

“Congratulations to Clive, Mark and Gareth too, whose appointments will strengthen the collaborative working across the group but also, along with Michael’s continued involvement, maintain continuity within the company and ensure a seamless transition to the new management structure.”

Michael Thirkettle said: “When RSBG Infrastructure acquired McBains last September, the strategic plan agreed at that time was for me to take a non-executive role within the company at an appropriate date. The last few months have seen us implement these succession plans, so the time is now right for me to make this planned move.

“It has been a privilege to lead McBains over the last 15 years and oversee the company’s substantial growth and with Clive and Mark at the helm I’m confident it will continue to go from strength to strength.”

Clive Docwra added: “I am delighted to have been appointed as managing director. I’m looking forward to consolidating our position as a leading multi-disciplinary consultancy and continuing to take forward the company’s strategy and our desire to find ‘the better way’ for our clients.”