We take our weekly look at appointments and promotions across the housebuilding industry and its supply chain.
Multiple appointments, This Land
This Land has strengthened its board of directors with the appointment of a new interim chief executive officer and three new non-executive directors.
Rob Williams joins as interim CEO, bringing extensive experience to the executive team, having previously held leadership roles in publicly owned businesses, under private equity ownership and in joint venture with local government. Williams brings more than 30 years of experience to This Land, across the civil engineering, construction and real estate development sectors from working with businesses like Taylor Woodrow, St Modwen Properties and Blackstone Real Estate.
In addition, the new non-executive directors are Barbara Richardson, a chartered surveyor accredited in planning and development, joining as the new chair of the board; Ian Piper, the current chief executive of Ebbsfleet Development Corporation (EDC) and former head of land at Homes England; and Jason Green, managing partner of Liverpool Street Capital Advisors, arriving with 30 years of financial markets experience.
James Bradbury, Stonewater
Stonewater has confirmed the appointment of James Bradbury as its new group director of growth and development, bringing with him significant experience and leadership across affordable housing delivery.
Bradbury began at Stonewater as a regional development manager from its inception in 2015, having previously worked for Raglan. He then took on senior roles overseeing broader regional development projects and has held the role of director of development operations since 2019.
On his appointment, Bradbury said: “I’m delighted to be stepping into this role at such a pivotal time for both Stonewater and the wider housing sector.”
Jonathan Layzell, newly appointed chief executive of Stonewater, said: “James has played a pivotal role in shaping our development programme and delivering homes that meet the needs of customers and communities.
“His understanding of the sector and strong leadership credentials make him the right person to take our ambitions forward and I’m confident he’ll continue to make a positive and lasting impact.”
Steven Sharp, Gleeson Homes
Gleeson Homes has announced the appointment of Steven Sharp as construction director for its South and West Yorkshire region, which currently has nine live developments under construction, with approximately six in the pipeline to open this calendar year
His 20 years of experience in the housebuilding industry started at Barratt Redrow, where he progressed from assistant site manager to senior site management roles. In January 2022, he was promoted to construction director for Barratt Sheffield, where he was responsible for starting a new division.
Adam Layhe, regional managing director, commented: “It’s been a pleasure to welcome Steven onboard, his appointment is an exciting and strategic hire for our region. Steven’s knowledge and experience of the industry will be crucial in ensuring we deliver on our objectives and, most importantly, provide the highest quality homes and service to our customers in South and West Yorkshire.”
Sharp added: “I’m looking forward to continuing to improve the quality of our build and overall service.”
Kerry Moore, Barratt and David Wilson Homes
Barratt and David Wilson Homes North East has named Kerry Moore its new development director as Neil Milburn retires from the company after 24 years at the end of this month.
Currently senior land manager, Moore (pictured left) joined Barratt in July 2002 as a construction co-ordinator and progressed to land buyer in 2004 after graduating from Northumbria University with a Higher National Diploma in construction management.
Milburn joined Barratt Homes in May 2001 as land manager and has been development director since July 2004. In retirement he is taking on a new role as a World War One tour guide, mainly in the Ypres area.
Moore commented: “It’s been such a fantastic journey working with Barratt and David Wilson Homes North East, and I’m so pleased to have been promoted to development director. Having started in construction and being given the opportunity to move into the Land department was a huge career highlight for me, which ultimately led me to this wonderful promotion.”
Abigial Jones, Savills
Savills has appointed director Abigail Jones to lead the development team in its Cambridge office.
Jones – RICS Young Surveyor of the Year (Land & Urban) in 2021 – joined Savills in 2013. Alongside continuing to provide advice and consultancy for the sale and marketing of residential development land, she will be responsible for leading the development team and identifying opportunities for future growth. She recently returned from maternity leave.
Jones said: “I’m very grateful to my brilliant team for looking after my clients and projects while I’ve been away, and to Savills for their support over the past 12 months. It’s safe to say my experience in negotiation, service and patience has undoubtedly grown! I’m delighted to be taking this next step in my career.”
Tom Fraser, head of office at Savills Cambridge, added: “Having worked with Abigail for a number of years I know the department is in superb hands. Her hard work and dedication makes this appointment very well deserved.”
Ollie Eggenton, Mosaic Living
Residential real estate advisors Mosaic Living has announced the appointment of Ollie Eggenton as associate director.
He said: “I’m very excited to be joining Mosaic. The living sector remains incredibly dynamic, and Mosaic is widely respected for its insights, market knowledge, advisory services, and transactional expertise. I look forward to working with new and existing clients to unlock the full potential of their assets.”
Mike Shearn, director at Mosaic Living, commented: “I’ve worked with Ollie in the past and am looking forward to doing so again. His appointment is a testament to the success we’ve achieved so far – but more importantly, it signals our ambitions for the future. With a strong pipeline of opportunities ahead, Ollie’s analytical expertise across the legal, planning, and ESG sectors will play a key role in helping us expand and deliver even greater value to our clients.”
