The newly-created board position signals a commitment by the asbestos and environmental solutions specialist to strengthen its board, as it continues to diversify the business and deliver ambitious growth plans over the next three years.

Purvis stepped down as chief executive at WYG earlier this year, having overseen a decade of strong growth for the multi-disciplinary consultant, taking it from £21 million to £210 million turnover in ten years.

Lexia’s Managing Director, Jason Davy, said of Purvis’s appointment: “John’s impressive track-record of implementing successful diversification strategies and his considerable experience in the sector makes him a natural fit for Lexia. As we continue to drive the business increasingly at a national level, into new areas, the need for strengthening the board becomes very important."