The senior hire comes as Hill presses ahead with a five-year growth plan to double annual turnover to £2.3bn by 2030.

Fitzgerald brings more than 35 years’ experience in construction and house building.

He started his career with Willmott Dixon before joining Furlong Homes and later spending more than 20 years at Telford Homes, where he rose to group managing director.

He also worked alongside Hill founder and chief executive Andy Hill during their early careers at Willmott Dixon.

In the newly-created role, Fitzgerald will oversee two of Hill’s largest regional businesses.

His regions include several major live developments, including Marleigh Park in Cambridge, Little Chalfont Park in Buckinghamshire, Canalside Quarter in Oxford, Whalebones Park in Barnet and Sawyers Close in Windsor.

Andy Hill said: “We have an ambitious vision for the future of Hill, with a clear strategy to grow the business significantly over the next five years while remaining true to the values that have underpinned our success.

“John’s appointment strengthens our senior leadership team and will play an important role in delivering our five-year strategic plan as we work towards doubling the size of the business.”