A Chartered Management Accountant, Mr Downs has previously held a number of operational and strategic finance roles within the construction industry with Urban Union, Keepmoat and City Facilities Management.

Alongside the development of a robust financial strategy, Mr Downs will also be responsible for the creation and ongoing development of the support functions required to ensure the delivery of McConnell’s medium to long term growth forecasts.

McConnell said this senior appointment underpins its continuing emergence in the building refurbishment sector in the UK.

Eamonn McGarvey, managing director said: “Kenny’s appointment is emblematic of the progress we have made as a business and I’m delighted to welcome him into the McConnell senior management team”.

His appointment coincides with the appointment of Alex Gerrie as divisional director to work alongside existing divisional director Ken Wales. Craig Hartley has also been appointed as SHEQ director.