Paul Chandler to join Wates, while Sir Robert McAlpine confirms two senior hires

Wates has confirmed Skanska executive Paul Chandler is joining them to become its new construction boss.

Chandler - who it emerged was leaving Skanska earlier this month and was linked with Wates - will take up the role of group managing director for construction at the start of next year.

He will report to group chief executive Andrew Davies and will take a seat on the Wates group executive committee.

Meanwhile, Sir Robert McAlpine has confirmed Skanska’s London manager Paul Heather has joined them to become its London regional manager, as tipped by Building.

Sir Robert McAlpine also said it has promoted its current London regional manager, Grant Findlay, to the new national role of head of preconstruction for the building division.

Chandler is currently executive vice president at Skanksa with responsibility for all its building and M&E operations.

Over 34 years at Skanska, Chandler has worked on major projects across commercial, residential and engineering, as well as major public-private partnership schemes in the public sector.

He has been involved in projects including London’s Gherkin tower, Heron Tower and the ongoing redevelopment of Battersea Power Station.

Davies said: “Paul has built an enviable reputation for delivering large and complex projects with a keen emphasis on operational excellence. He also brings enormous experience in sustainability and diversity and inclusion, areas which we have always valued at Wates, and which are becoming increasingly important to our customers.

“I am delighted that Paul has agreed to join the Wates team and look forward to working with him on the many opportunities ahead.”

Chandler said: “I am delighted to be joining the Wates Group at an exciting time in its growth strategy.

“Wates has a great reputation across a number of sectors with strong performance across all its operations. I look forward to bringing my experience to bear on the next stage of the Construction Group’s development alongside my new colleagues.”

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