James Wates is to replace Sir Michael Latham as chairman of the CITB ConstructionSkills board

The hunt for a suitable candidate for the two-day a week position was led by the business, innovation and skills department.

Kevin Brennan MP informed the deputy chairman of Wates of the news in a letter dated 29 January. He said: “You have already made a significant contribution to CITB ConstructionSkills as a board member. I am sure that you have knowledge of the industry and considerable experience of interfacing with government and public policy.”

Latham will step down in March after seven years in the role. Wates’ appointment will last from 1 April 2010 to 31 March 2015.