We take our weekly look at some of the appointments and promotions across the housebuilding industry and its supply chain.
Laura Parkinson, Langham Homes
Windsor-based luxury developer Langham Homes has appointed Laura Parkinson as sales manager. Originally hailing from Sydney, Australia, Laura has previously worked as a negotiator for Hamptons International and became interested in new homes. She says: “I will be managing several developments of bespoke properties and will attain a real insight into the whole process, from design and construction through to sales.”
Will Wright, Lovell
Lovell has brought in Will Wright as land and partnership manager for its East Anglia division, where he will lead on the acquisition of strategic sites for development. He has moved to the housebuilder from an associate development surveyor role at property agents Savills. The new job involves securing further land in attractive locations to build homes for private sales as well as those for housing association and local authority partners.
Mark Leigh, Miller Homes
From his previous job at Taylor Wimpey, Mark Leigh has now been named managing director for the Yorkshire region division of Miller Homes, succeeding Steve Birch after his retirement. He started his career as a graduate trainee with Alfred McAlpine homes, rising through the ranks to director level in 1998. “I would urge anyone who is thinking about their career to explore what housebuilding has to offer – the opportunities are many and varied,” he says.
Ami Chapman, David Wilson Homes
From starting in a role as accounts assistant in 2016, Ami Chapman has been promoted to assistant accountant at the Northampton office of Davis Wilson Homes. She will work on the monthly management accounts, deal with plot movements and making sure that the plots are set in the correct month for the legal completions, and have a hand in a new challenge for her – the monthly payroll.
Josh Kirkwood, Genesis Homes
As a result of daily phone calls and emails showing his keenness to work for them, Penrith-based homebuilder Genesis Homes has taken on 16-year-old Josh Kirkwood, who will soon be starting his two-year Level 2 Construction Operations and Groundworks apprenticeship course. He will start work at a development in Wigton, with one day a week at Carlisle College. Josh says: “I really like the idea of a hands-on job where I get the chance to do something different every day.”
Two appointments, Gira UK
Supplier of intelligent system solutions for building management Gira UK has appointed Sam Pound-Jones as specification manager and Steven Parr as technical sales manager. Sam will focus on new business, development of business relations and communication with property developers and others. Steven will be working on current and new relationships with M&E contractors, consultants, architects and systems integrators.
Barney Munn, Barratt Developments
Barratt Developments has appointed Barney Munn as its first marketing apprentice in Exeter. Leaving Exeter College, he has chosen apprenticeship over university. Four days a week will be in the office, focusing on digital activity and other marketing responsibilities, and one at college studying for an NVQ Level 3 Diploma in Marketing. “I was really interested in media and business and wanted to move into something where there was practical experience,” says Barney.
Annika Prince, West Eleven
Boutique property developer West Eleven has brought Annika Prince on board as development manager. She has plenty of experience in the role, with seven years at Deloitte Real Estate, including a two-year placement in the Middle East. She will also be working closely on a number of current projects around London with founder and CEO Will Herrmann, who says: “She possesses a lot of experience and a tenacity that will help drive the business forward.”
Mark Mitchell, Avant Homes
After 15 months in the role, Mark Mitchell has been promoted from group operating officer to chief operating officer by Avant Homes. He joined the company in 2001 as a trainee quantity surveyor in 2001 and after six years, became its youngest ever managing director at the age of 27. “I am grateful to everyone who has helped me along the way to achieve this promotion and I am determined to drive Avant Homes to even greater heights,” he says.
Barry Knowler, Clearview Homes
Clearview Homes has strengthened its team with the appointment of Barry Knowler as managing director. Starting as an apprentice carpenter for Laing Construction at the age of 15, at the age of 49 he now has over thirty years’ experience working in the housebuilding industry, including roles at Laing Homes, Crest Homes, Barratt and Michael Shanly Homes, where he was construction director. Barry says: “I look forward to leading the team.”
Sam Veal, Blueprint
The newly created role of deputy chief executive has been assigned to Sam Veal. A chartered surveyor, Sam has more than 30 years’ experience in construction, development and public private partnerships, working in the areas of regeneration, health, retail, bespoke residences and affordable housing. Most recently, she was involved in the student accommodation sector as CEO of Uliving. She will foster partnerships on current and new projects across the Midlands region.
John Palfreyman, Novus
Former IBM director John Palfreyman has joined Novus as a non-executive director. With over 40 years’ experience in IT, he is an independent cybersecurity and emerging technology consultant and will now assist with strategic decision making and integrate information-led innovations into project delivery and business management. Housing is just one part of the Stoke-headquartered contractor’s portfolio. He says: “It’s an exciting time to join the business.”
Your email has been successfully added to newsletter list.