Alfred McAlpine has snapped up Keith Lambert, currently managing director of YJL subsidiary Walter Lilly, to be future head of its special projects division.

Lambert will join McAlpine on 8 May as deputy managing director in charge of the firm’s southern division. He is expected to succeed Bob Blythen as managing director of special projects after Blythen retires later this year.

The appointment had not been announced to staff when this edition went to press, but Lambert told Building that the move was “exceptionally good” for him, and that McAlpine was a “strong group”.

Ron Bates has replaced Lambert at Walter Lilly. He has been with the firm, which concentrates on refurbishment, fit-out and new build in the South-east, for 30 years.

YJL managing director Roger Feast confirmed Lambert’s departure. He said: “He was offered a big role at McAlpine so he took it. I can understand it.”

McAlpine’s special projects division is part of its capital projects arm and handles the firm’s construction projects. Capital projects used to be headed by Andy White, who has joined Laing Construction as chief operating officer.

White’s replacement is Matt Swann, who will join from Wilson Connolly at the end of the month. Swann previously worked for McAlpine.