Pictured above: Ian Pearson, vice chairman of MCD

A Midlands property firm has made a valuable addition to its team after it appointed a former Treasury minister as vice chairman.

MCD, the Birmingham-based property regeneration specialist, has appointed Ian Pearson, who was economic secretary to the Treasury from 2008 to 2010, as vice chairman.

Prior to standing down before the last general election the former Dudley MP also served as a minister in BIS, trade minister, science minister, minister for climate change and the environment as well as having spent time in Northern Ireland in a career under both Tony Blair and Gordon Brown.

Before entering politics Mr Pearson was involved at board level in regeneration and private equity in the West Midlands and in London.

He said: "I have been aware of the high-quality regeneration projects MCD has created in the Midlands for some time. It is an exciting period to be joining the group, especially with funding in place for other large scale projects across England and I look forward to contributing to the future success of the group."

Steven Byrne, MCD's chief executive, added: "I'm delighted Ian has decided to join us as we look to grow the MCD business into one of the UK's leading regeneration companies.

"With his background and experience, he will be a valuable source of advice to the company."

MCD has an established reputation for delivering mixed use regeneration across the country and is currently on site with the redevelopment of Warwickshire County Cricket Club at Edgbaston in Birmingham as well as completing Phase II of Bristol Horizon, a residential tower above Harvey Nichols at Cabot Circus in Bristol.

The firm is also carrying out work at Earlsdon Park in Coventry to complete a £100 million mixed use project.