Sir Robert McAlpine has appointed the longstanding chief executive of project management and technical consultancy WYG as its new CEO.

Paul Hamer will join McAlpine on July 31 from WYG where he has been chief executive for the last eight years.

Tony Aikenhead, the first person not a member of the McAlpine family to be entrusted with the business-owned contractor, left in July 2016 after just eight months in post.

Gavin McAlpine, non-executive chairman of Sir Robert McAlpine, said: “I am delighted to welcome Paul to Sir Robert McAlpine. He has an outstanding reputation within the industry and a proven track record for delivery, both as a client and as a contractor.

“At WYG Paul refocused the business around driving value for its clients. At Sir Robert McAlpine, we are focussed on our clients’ needs and delivering exceptional value. I am certain that Paul will challenge us all to excel in supporting these objectives.

“We are looking forward to working in partnership with Paul for the next phase of Sir Robert McAlpine’s evolution.”

Paul Hamer joined WYG in July 2008 and was appointed chief executive in March 2009. He is credited with leading the business through two major financial restructurings, in 2009/10 and 2011, and returning the company to profitability.

Hamer will be succeeded as chief executive by Douglas McCormick.

Speaking about his appointment, Paul Hamer said: “I am delighted to be joining Sir Robert McAlpine as it approaches its milestone anniversary of 150 years in business. I am looking forward to working with the McAlpine Family, the board and my new colleagues to create and drive future success for Sir Robert McAlpine.

“We will be building on the key strength of engineering excellence whilst leveraging the tradition and heritage of this great company.

“We aim to enhance our focus on our clients and their needs whilst ensuring that we deliver excellence in all of our operations.”