Wates Group has recruited Skanska’s Paul Chandler and appointed him as group managing director of its Construction Group with effect from 1 January 2017.

Chandler joins Wates from Skanska UK, where he is currently executive vice president where he oversees all Skanska UK’s building and mechanical/electrical operations.

Over a 34-year career with Skanska, Chandler has helped deliver a range of projects across the commercial, residential and engineering services sectors as well as many public-private partnership schemes in healthcare, defence and education. He has been involved in many landmark projects in London such as 30 St Mary Axe (The Gherkin), Heron Tower and more recently the redevelopment of Battersea Power station.

Commenting on his impending appointment, Chandler said: “I am delighted to be joining the Wates Group at an exciting time in its growth strategy. Wates has a great reputation across a number of sectors with strong performance across all its operations. I look forward to bringing my experience to bear on the next stage of the Construction Group’s development alongside my new colleagues.”

Chandler’s role will report to Wates Group CEO Andrew Davies and he will join Davies as a member of the Wates Group executive committee. Davies said: “Paul has built an enviable reputation for delivering large and complex projects with a keen emphasis on operational excellence. He also brings enormous experience in sustainability and diversity and inclusion, areas which we have always valued at Wates, and which are becoming increasingly important to our customers.

“I am delighted that Paul has agreed to join the Wates team and look forward to working with him on the many opportunities ahead,” Davies said.