Keith Clarke takes the reins at Atkins

Skanska AB executive vice president Keith Clarke will become chief executive of Atkins on 1 October.

Michael Jeffries, Atkins chairman and interim chief executive until Clarke joins, said: "He is a well-known, successful senior executive in our industry, with a great track record and excellent leadership qualities. With his experience of major projects, I believ that he has the capabilities to lead Atkins through its next phase of development."

Clarke, who joined Skanska when it took over Kvaerner in 2000, said: "I am very excited at the prospect of joining Atkins. The company has strong core operating businesses." He steps down at the end of August

The announcement was made as Atkins revealed a 16% hike in turnover in the year to 31 March to £935.3m. A substantial reduction in debt from £105.4m at 30 September to £71.9m at the year end was achieved. 

The pre-tax loss of £61.6m came after exceptional costs of £64.5m. The cost reduction programme and other reorganisation and financial restructuring accounted for £14.8m - but delivered a saving of £15m; £33.3m was lost in the US due to the impairment of assets; and £16.4m was written off the carrying value of shares held in employee benefit trusts. 

In reference to last year's billing nighmare, Jeffries said: "We have caught up with our billing and credit control and this respect we are now in a better position than we have acheived in previous years."