Bowcott, 59, will take up running the group’s construction activities from September, bringing over 40 years experience in senior positions with firms like Kier, Amec and Mowlem.
He left Kier after over nine years in April after a board reshuffle after overseeing the integration of May Gurney.
Bowcott takes over from Crabtree who leaves as planned after three years, having successfully established the basis for the company to grow further in the years ahead.
Crabtree will remain with the business in an advisory capacity.