Belton is currently the Chief Executive and Accounting Officer for the Food and Environment Research Agency (Fera).

He has led Fera since 2008 and will take up his new £142,000-year-role in April.

Belton will also be in line for a potential 15% performance bonus (£21,300) alongside a car and pension benefits package.

His employment package will work out less than former CEO Mark Farrar’s remuneration of £219,000.

James Wates, Chairman, CITB said: “Adrian is an excellent appointment. Identifying the right candidate for CITB’s next stage of development has been an exhaustive and positive process.

“Working with BIS, our sponsor department, this appointment is within government guidelines for senior posts.

“Adrian has proven experience in leading change and is motivated by success in building excellent organisations. Those are key attributes for CITB over the next few years.

“He impressed the Nominations Committee with his combination of relevant private and public sector experience and the way he has achieved success through leadership.”

Belton said, “I’m delighted and feel honoured to have been offered the opportunity to lead the CITB.

“2014 marks its 50th anniversary but my brief is to deliver change that will equip the organisation for the next 50 years.

“What attracted to me to this job is the CITB’s pivotal role in the construction industry at a time of challenge and change for the industry; coupled with the potential to build on many of CITB’s strengths.

“I am also keen to play a key role in the Government’s Industrial Strategy and I’m looking forward to meeting and working with colleagues, customers and partners of the CITB”.