But Clarke will not sever his links with Atkins and plans to continue to work at the consultancy as director of sustainability. He will also take up a new role assisting in the development of Atkins’ Middle East business.

Clarke will be replaced by German physicist Dr Uwe Krueger, who joins the board on 14 June as chief executive designate and will take over on 1 August.

Dr Uwe Krueger

Krueger, 46, has worked for several big engineering companies during his career, including a time at Hochtief and role of senior vice president and chairman of Turner International, based in Dallas, USA.

More recently he was chief executive officer of Swiss company, Oerlikon, one of the world’s leading high-tech industrial companies specialising in machine and plant engineering.

Allan Cook, chairman of Atkins, said: “Keith is retiring as chief executive, having steered the group back to being a high performing business, successfully navigated a world recession and charted the course for growth.

“This is a natural time for him to hand the baton over to Uwe Krueger to continue the group’s development as a multi-national organisation.

“He leaves the group with an excellent track record and a low carbon legacy.  The board is delighted that Keith will remain with the group as director of sustainability and to assist with the development of our Middle East business.”