Westbury will join from Buro Happold where he is Chief Executive Officer.

Westbury will have global responsibility for Laing O’Rourke’s technical and engineering functions and will lead the development of the group’s design and engineering offering.

He will serve on the Laing O’Rourke Group Executive Committee and will report to chief executive Anna Stewart.

Westbury will take up his new post in the autumn of following a period of handover of duties to his successor at Buro Happold.

Stewart said, “We are delighted that Paul has agreed to join us and lead the next stage of Laing O’Rourke’s engineering development.

“He has a global reputation as a leading expert in the design and delivery of multi-award winning buildings and infrastructure, and his appointment marks a step change in our engineering ambitions.

Chairman of Laing O’Rourke, Ray O’Rourke said, “We are extremely proud that Paul will lead Laing O’Rourke’s engineering activities, working alongside the incredibly talented engineers we already employ, who are inspired to deliver whatever is needed on our projects with intelligence, ingenuity and integrity.

“Paul brings an outstanding record of achievement and value creation having expanded Buro Happold into a successful international business.  I know he will help ensure Laing O’Rourke’s future success as we continue to meet the challenges of our industry head on.”

Westbury added: “I am thrilled to be joining Laing O’Rourke at such an exciting point in its development.

“I genuinely believe it has the strategic focus, the resources and most importantly, the right talent to lead the engineering and construction industry in an entirely new direction, setting the standards by which all other organisations in the sector will be measured.

“I am passionate about my profession, and this new role will enable me to continue to be an ambassador for engineering globally, raising its profile as a leader in providing solutions for many of the major life-changing issues that society is facing today and in the future.”