Mr Perkins was appointed as SES Engineering Services MD following Wates’ acquisition of Shepherd Group in October 2015.

The former CEO of Shepherd’s built environment division had been leading on the integration of the SES business into the wider Wates Group.

He will step down from his role at the end of May.

Wates completed the acquisition of Shepherd Group’s FM and Engineering Services arms last October. The deal is expected to bring in between £250m and £300m of revenue for the Wates Group in 2016.

Wates chief executive Andrew Davies said: “Having played a key role throughout the Shepherd acquisition process, Mark Perkins has decided to pursue the next stage of his career outside the Wates Group.

“Consequently Mark will step down from his role as managing director of SES Engineering Services with effect from the end of May 2016.

“Mark has made a substantial contribution to the growth of SES since he joined the Shepherd Group in 2002.

“On behalf of the board and senior management team, I would like to thank Mark for his dedication and professionalism and wish him well in his future endeavours.”

Mr Perkins has more than 30 years’ experience in the built environment sector and has worked on projects including the conversion of Drax Power Station to biomass.

A source speaking to Construction News praised Mr Perkin’s “clarity of thought and an ability to cut through the crap”, while thanking him for his leadership.

Wates is currently working on a succession plan, which will be announced soon.