Paul Whitmore joined Morgan Sindall from Laing in 2000 where he was chief executive of construction.

Whitmore was the last executive director on the main board remaining following John Morgan’s decision to get back in the seat as group chief executive after 10 years as chairman.

This triggered a management shake-up in November 2012 with existing group chief executive Paul Smith quitting as Morgan returned.

Two months later Morgan Sindall finance director David Mulligan stood down after 15 years at the construction group to pursue new challenges.

Morgan Sindall is understood to be in the advanced stages of appointing a new commercial director with an announcement due in the new year.

Chairman Adrian Martin said: “The Board would like to thank Paul for his considerable contribution to the development of the group over the last 13 years and wishes him the very best for the future.”