Dowsett joined Osborne as a graduate civil engineer in 1996, and since he has worked across many high-profile highways and rail projects.

Most recently Dowsett was managing director of the Network Rail framework partnership, One Team Wessex, which has just celebrated its first year on the £250m framework.

Andy Steele, chief executive of Osborne, said: “John’s appointment is a true testament to our commitment to developing our own talent and promoting people from within Osborne.”