Current chief executive officer, John Sutcliffe, will continue to lead the firm and drive growth initiatives and operating plans until the end of this year.

Roberts, stepped down from the British Land board at the start of this year, after spending 15 years running its office team as well as developing the strategy for its successful London office business.

He was responsible for overseeing large-scale developments, transactions and lettings such as the joint venture development and the eventual sale of both the Leadenhall Building and 5 Broadgate, as well as major lettings to customers including Facebook, UBS and Dentsu Aegis.

He has also led major transactions such as the purchase of Paddington Campus, and the super prime Clarges residential development site in Mayfair.

Roberts, who takes up the reins at the start of next year, said: “I am very excited to be joining such a long-standing, well-established business which, over the years, has generated strong financial performance.

“Henry Boot is in very good shape and I am joining a team that will not only continue to deliver strong returns, but also a business that has the organisational and capital structure to prosper.

“On a personal note, as a Yorkshireman, I am very happy to be returning to my home city of Sheffield.”