After a nine-month worldwide search Lend Lease has appointed a chief executive from its own back yard.

Finance director Steve McCann will take over early next year from Greg Clarke, who after six years at the helm of the property giant, announced in August he would be leaving the company.

Lend Lease announced the appointment on Tuesday, saying Mr McCann has worked for the company for over three years, joining in 2005 as CEO of the Investment Management business before becoming finance director in 2007.

The Age