Five new appointments announced by group managing director Paul Chandler

Wates Construction has shaken up its management team with a string of internal promotions.

Steffan Battle, formerly pre-construction director for London, joins the board as group head of pre-construction. He reports to group construction managing director, Paul Chandler (pictured), and his responsibilities will encompass both Wates Construction and building services arm SES Engineering Services.

James Askew leaves his current role as commercial director for the south to take up the national role of commercial director for construction.

Rob Clifford, MEP director for the south, is the new national MEP director.

Alec Jackman, formerly pre-construction director for the southern Home Counties, becomes the region’s business unit director.

Lucy Abbott’s role as BIM director for Wates Construction is extended to cover the whole Wates Group, including SES Engineering Services.

Chandler said: “At Wates we are committed to recognising and rewarding our home-grown talent, and I’m delighted that we have been able to fill these important roles from within our ranks.

“Wates enjoyed a successful year in 2016, with increased turnover and profits and we are maintaining this level of performance with a healthy order book. It’s therefore vital that we have the right team in place to help us meet our growth targets.”