Behan has made the decision for family reasons with a factor understood to be the weekly commuting distance from his home in Ireland to Barhale’s Walsall headquarters.

Barhale chairman Dennis Curran said: “Matthew has been instrumental in driving Barhale forward over the past four-and-a-half-years, whilst navigating us through some of the most significant challenges we have experienced as a business over the last 40 years.

“In that time, he has led our strategy to focus on core expertise and to build long-term partnerships with clients and he leaves us with a strong forward order book.

“We are also grateful for his careful management of our response to the early phases of the Covid-19 outbreak.

“Most of our work is in critical utilities infrastructure and we have been able to keep 95% our sites open despite the Covid-19 restrictions.

“While we are disappointed to see him leave, we understand his decision and he goes with our very best wishes.”

Behan said:  “I’m leaving a job I love, a great company and colleagues for whom I have the greatest respect.

“The team at Barhale takes real pride in its values and, I can honestly say, they help to create an outstanding culture – it made me feel like I belonged from day one and that I shall undoubtedly miss.”

It is understood that Barhale will promote from within the company to fill the role.