Wates Group has appointed former Homes England executive Robert Stone as head of public sector and national frameworks.
Stone will report to group public sector director Stephen Beechey. He will lead efforts to build stronger ties with public sector clients, including those in the defence, justice and emergency services sectors.
His remit also includes oversight of national frameworks such as Pagabo, P23, Procure Partnerships Framework and Crown Commercial Services.
Stone joins with more than 30 years of construction sector experience across public and private sectors.
He most recently served as director of technical services at Homes England, where he led teams responsible for construction delivery, sustainability, estate management and planning.
Before Homes England, Stone held a senior estates role at the Defence Infrastructure Organisation, working on the Defence Estates Optimisation Programme.
His earlier career included 12 years in tier one contracting, delivering school and hospital projects.
He also led Balfour Beatty’s £1bn Eastwick & Sweetwater regeneration project, part of the Olympic Park redevelopment.
Wates said the hire would reinforce its existing team delivering public sector work for clients including the Department for Education, Ministry of Justice, Defence Infrastructure Organisation and NHS trusts.
Beechey said: “The public sector makes up around 70 per cent of our business as a group.
“Delivering vital social infrastructure requires the best talent, and Robert brings extensive experience working directly for our key customers.”
Stone added: “I’ve worked alongside the Wates team for several years and have always been impressed by their commitment to the public who benefit from their projects.”
Source: Wates press release