Britain’s biggest steelwork contractor Severfield has poached senior Laing O’Rourke figure Paul McNerney to take the helm as chief executive this autumn.

McNerney, currently director for clients and government at Laing O’Rourke, brings over 25 years’ leadership experience in UK and international construction and manufacturing.

He has previously run O’Rourke’s £1.3bn UK construction arm and led divisions including Select Plant Hire, Explore Manufacturing and Crown House Technologies.

During his career, McNerney has delivered major projects such as Everton’s new stadium and Oxford University’s Humanities campus, both using Severfield as main steelwork contractor.

His international track record includes launching infrastructure operations in New South Wales and breaking into oil and gas markets.

Severfield chair Charlie Cornish said McNerney’s strategic and operational background would be key to leading the group “through its rebuilding process to the next phase of its growth and innovation” following recent challenges.

A firm start date will be confirmed in the coming weeks.