Third Herbert T Forrest chief exec in 54 year history appointed

Preston-based contractor Herbert T Forrest has appointed Lee McCarren as its new chief executive - only the third person to hold the post in the company's 54-year history.

McCarren, who is also the first person from outside the Forrest family to head up the firm, is tasked with leading the development of new services at the company, as well as its geographic expansion.

He joins the firm after a two-year stint as chief executive of Bardsley Construction.

Former chief executive Tim Forrest, who has been at the helm of the company since 1993, will remain on the board of directors but spend more time promoting training and skills development within the construction industry.

Private equity company LDC took a stake in the contractor in July 2007. The company is now looking to expand its range of services and has opened regional offices in the North East, Yorkshire and the West Midlands.