Boston-based Suffolk, one of the nation’s largest construction firms, has tapped a major New York developer to lead its Northeast operations.

Suffolk hired former LendLease President Ralph Esposito, who led the Australian developer's East Coast construction operations, as its new president of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic region, the firm announced Thursday.

During a 25-year career, Esposito worked on projects including construction of the September 11 Memorial and Museum at the World Trade Center and the luxury skyscraper 432 Park Ave. — the tallest residential building in the Western Hemisphere when it opened — overlooking New York City’s Central Park.

Suffolk Chairman and CEO John Fish called hiring Esposito a coup.

“Ralph’s strong relationships in New York, the entire Northeast region, and throughout the real estate and construction industry; wealth of experience managing teams that build sophisticated projects; and commitment to excellence and client service will bolster our positioning and reputation and pave the way for future success and growth,” Fish said in a statement.

Suffolk’s footprint in Boston includes constructing the residential Millennium Tower, The Encore Boston Harbor and the billion-dollar Winthrop Center. Esposito will work with Suffolk New York President Charlie Avolio for Suffolk’s major New York projects.

Esposito is also charged with expanding Suffolk's footprint south, into New Jersey, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C.