Decmil has been facing hard times due to supply chain issues, price escalation and border challenges. Those hard times cost it former CEO Dickie Dique in April.

Heale, who will start full-time on June 20, brings more than 30 years' experience in the building, construction and infrastructure industry, most recently as chief operating officer of John Holland.

As John Holland COO he was responsible for a business with an annual revenue of more than $5 billion, approximately 70 projects and 5000 staff.

Heale was a John Holland board member from 2017 to 2022 and also a member of its risk and health, safety and environmental committees.

He previously served on the boards of CPB Contractors for 2016 and 2017, and Roche Thiess Linfox Mining and Earthworks from 2011 to 2014, delivering diversified mining services and infrastructure based in the Latrobe Valley in Victoria.

Decmil chairman Andrew Barclay said Decmil's search criteria focused on operational experience combined with excellent customer relationships.

He said Heale ticked those boxes.

"We were very impressed with his determination and plans to help Decmil regain the momentum it had built by winning new contracts and executing our existing work safely and efficiently," Barclay said.

As part of the transition interim CEO Vin Vassallo will continue to support Heale in an executive role over the next six-month period before transitioning back to his role as a non-executive director.