Hansen Yuncken chairman and chief executive Peter Kennedy takes top job

Hansen Yuncken chairman and chief executive Peter Kennedy will take on the role for 2011 - a move he says coincides with the need for strong leadership at a time of challenge and opportunity.

"There are obvious issues such as (the powers of the) ABCC (Australian Building and Construction Commissioner) which we see as an important part of maintaining the industry," he said. "And there are other issues, such as building licensing and occupational health and safety, that need a lot of focus."

He said the Federal Government's post-global financial crisis strategy was "an immediate priority" for the building industry, which had been helped through the GFC by the Government's range of stimulus packages.

Mr Kennedy has seen Hansen Yuncken grow from a city-based builder to a national company that reported revenue of $1.2 billion last year.

The company is managing the $193 million "super schools" project for the South Australian government and is one of two bidders for the $1.7 billion Royal Adelaide Hospital project.

Mr Kennedy said the position would allow him to give something back after almost 40 years in the industry.

"We are a large beneficiary of the industry so it is important we also give something back, to make it a better place for the future," he said.

"That is important for me as a person and important for us (Hansen Yuncken) as a company."