Lend Lease Group has appointed a new chief executive, Robert McNamara, to reposition its US business as the country recovers from the downturn.

McNamara, the chairman and chief executive of Californian construction firm Penhall, will take on the new role next month and report directly to Lend Lease Group chief executive Steve McCann. "We see growth opportunities within development, green building and Public Private Partnerships," Mr McCann said.

Lend Lease Investment Management chief executive Gary Buechler will continue to lead the American development and PPPs, while Mike Ballaman remains the head of Bovis Lend Lease Americas. Both Mr Buechler and Mr Ballaman will report to McNamara.

The Australian