Mr Wates will contribute to Argent's strategic growth and performance as a property developer.
He said: "Our industry benefits greatly from collaboration between contractors and developers, both in terms of strategic growth and operational performance.
"My time in this thriving and dynamic industry has given me immense enthusiasm to continually drive higher standards in the built environment and I look forward to bringing my passion and expertise to the Argent businesses."
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Mr Wates' current credits include positions as Chairman of the Building Research Establishment (BRE) Trust, the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) and the UK Contractors Group.
He is also Chairman of the Prince’s Trust Built Environment Leadership Group.
Jonathan Thompson, Independent Chairman of Argent, said: "I am delighted James is joining Argent as a Non-Executive."
"He brings a wealth of business and construction experience to Argent at a time when it is expanding its regeneration footprint and when construction activity at King’s Cross will be at an all-time high."
(LM)
