Kier's Paul Sheffield is to take the job of group chief executive at the firm when John Dodds steps down next year.

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Mr Sheffield, who is said to have a wide range of experience in international and UK contracting, is a member of the group board and in 2001 was given the role of Kier Construction managing director.

At the moment, he oversees the company's infrastructure, construction and overseas interests.

Chairman Phil White said the decision to fill the construction vacancy was completed after a "thorough selection process".

"We believe that Paul's experience, skills and intimate knowledge of the business provides a very firm foundation for building on the excellent work that John has achieved," he remarked.

Mr Dodds is scheduled to leave Kier at the end of March 2010, when 48-year-old Mr Sheffield will take over.

News of the construction job comes days after the company announced it had finished a demolition and new build project in London.

The Tottenham Court Road project involved the creation of an entirely new mixed-use site.