Wates Group has today announced the appointment of David Allen as its new chief executive.

The company’s chief financial officer since January 2016, David was appointed acting chief executive in November 2017 and assumes his new role with immediate effect.

Wates chairman, James Wates CBE, said: “On behalf of the board, I am delighted to confirm today’s appointment, which is the outcome of a rigorous executive search process.

“Our aim was always to find the very best candidate, either from within our talented senior management team or from outside Wates. We are particularly pleased to be able to confirm David in this key leadership role, as it evidences our strength in depth at executive level.

“David has shown an acute understanding of what it means to lead this very special family-owned business and I look forward to continuing to work with him as we progress through the next phase of the company’s history.”

David Allen added: “I’m excited about leading the next stage of Wates’ push to become an even more high performing, progressive and sustainable organisation that continues to deliver for, and is trusted by, all of our customers and partners.”

Mr Allen joined Wates following almost seven years as Crossrail’s finance director. He joined Crossrail in 2009 from Laing O’Rourke, where he was finance director of its European Construction business.