Allen was previously Finance Director at Crossrail having joined in March 2009 from Laing O’Rourke, where he was Finance Director for the European Construction business.

Before entering the construction industry, Allen worked in Accenture’s strategy practice and HSBC Investment Bank’s Corporate Finance and Advisory Division.

He joins Wates’ Board as the business continues to roll out an its growth plan to increase turnover to £2bn.

Allen said: “I am delighted to join the Wates Group at such an exciting point in its development.

“It is a robust business that has built a fantastic platform from which to deliver its strategic plans for the future.

“I look forward to working with the team to ensure that we continue to drive towards even higher levels of performance, whilst maintaining the Group’s established strengths in sound financial planning and in delivering for our customers.”

Andrew Davies, Chief Executive, Wates Group, added: “David joins us at an incredibly important time in Wates’ history, as we accelerate towards our ambitious turnover target, with work-in-hand now at its highest in five years and our order book up 50% on last year.

“We will continue to focus on our strategic sectors and work to maximise and leverage the increased opportunities presented following two key acquisitions, in order to help us grow towards £2bn turnover.”