Crossfield, a mechanical engineer, will join later this year and be responsible for the strategic leadership of the UK construction business, reporting directly to group chief executive Leo Quinn.

He fills the vacancy created when Mark Bullock stepped down at the end of last year after three years in the job.

Crossfield brings over 40 years’ experience within the industrial and engineering industries, starting his career as a graduate with BAE Systems, and going on to work with British Steel, Network Rail, and Siemens.

Since 2015, he has been managing director of Alstom Transportation’s UK and Ireland business which turns over around £1.7bn and employs more than 6000 staff.

Quinn said: “Nick brings with him a wealth of experience working directly with Government on behalf of industry, as well as a strong track record of managing large businesses, successfully delivering sustainable profitable growth, and navigating highly regulated environments with a focus on driving operational improvements.

“His experience and understanding of the markets in which Balfour Beatty operates makes him perfectly positioned to lead our UK Construction Services business.”

Crossfield said: “I very much look forward to joining Balfour Beatty. I have watched with interest over the last ten years as the Group has continued to position and win work in its core markets and I look forward to continuing the successful delivery of national and local infrastructure across the UK”.