Freeman will take over from Kevin Seymour who has served in the position for the past eight years and will continue on Watpac’s board as a non-executive director.

Watpac managing director Greg Kempton said Freeman’s appointment was an exciting new chapter for the company.

“During his time on Watpac board, Mr Freeman has been active in steering a number of the group’s strategic initiatives including providing valuable input to our traditional areas of strength in the property and construction sectors.

“Mr Freeman will be highly involved in overseeing the upcoming strategic review of the current property portfolio.”

Prior to joining Watpac as a non-executive director in May last year, Freeman was chief executive officer for Mirvac’s Queenland operations. He has also held a senior executive management position with Sunland Group, and served as president of the Urban Development Institute of Australia.

Seventy-two year old Seymour said he had stepped down from the position as part of his plan to wind back his workload.

“It has been my great pleasure and honour to serve as chair of the Watpac board for the past eight years,” Seymour said.

“After much consideration, I decided that it was time to re-evaluate my ongoing work commitments and to start enjoying more time with my family.

“I have every confidence that the group will continue to grow and prosper under the leadership and experience of Mr Freeman and I congratulate him wholeheartedly on his appointment.”

This article first appeared in ILN's sister publication ConstructionIndustryNews.net.