Mann starts with WDS next month and replaces the incumbent Garry Ash who decided to retire earlier this year.

There will be a changeover period between the two chiefs and Ash will deliver the year-end results for the 2007-08 financial year.

Mann comes to WDS from ASX-listed Transurban and before that spent 16 years working abroad with Destec Energy, PSEG Global and Gryphon Technologies.

WDS chairman Jim McDonald paid tribute to Ash and welcomed Mann into the company.

“The board is delighted to secure the services of Mr Mann to lead the company through what promises to be an exciting growth phase as we expand our range of services within Australia and extend our reach internationally,” McDonald said.

WDS is an ASX-listed company with a market capitalisation of around $A250 million.