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Housing industry careers news: This week’s Movers & Shakers

We take our weekly look at appointments and promotions across the housebuilding industry and its supply chain.

Adam Knight, Allison Homes

Adam Knight, Allison Homes

Allison Homes has appointed Adam Knight as the new managing director for its Eastern region.

He brings over 22 years of experience in the housing sector to the role, having held technical director and managing director positions across the East Midlands region, previously holding senior positions at Keepmoat, Barratt Developments, Morris Homes, and Persimmon Homes. 

In his new role, Knight will be contributing to the company’s goal of doubling its size in the next three years.

John Anderson, group CEO of Allison Homes, commented: “We’re thrilled to welcome Adam to Allison Homes. His wealth of experience and proven leadership in the sector make him an invaluable asset to our team. Furthermore, his passion for collaboration, customer satisfaction, and sustainable growth fits perfectly with our company values.”

Knight said: “From the moment I met John and the senior management team I could tell that their vision for the company aligns with my values.”

Andy Peters, Vistry Group

Andy Peters, Vistry Group

Vistry Group has welcomed Andy Peters to head up its growing South West Midlands regional business.

His wealth of experience in the housebuilding sector includes holding MD positions at Wain Group, Persimmon, Berkeley and Barratt over the past 18 years.

Of his new appointment, Peters said: “I’m pleased to join Vistry and I’m looking forward to working with a great internal team at Vistry South West Midlands and the wider Group as well as our network of partners. With housing high on the current government’s agenda, it’s a great time for us to drive the business forward and capitalise on the strengths and successes in the region.”

James Warrington, executive chair at Vistry Group, said of Peters: “He will be bringing his wealth of experience to one of Vistry’s leading regions with a superb team and exciting developments both in the pipeline and under construction providing thousands of mixed-tenure homes for the region.”

Simon Harding-Roots, Muse

Simon Harding-Roots, Muse

Muse has recruited Simon Harding-Roots to be managing director of its South region from 31 March 2025.

He joins from the Crown Estate, where he was managing director for London, overseeing a 10million sqft, £8bn portfolio – including a £2.5bn programme of major projects. He was also executive director of major projects at Grosvenor Group and held senior roles at Imperial College London and with the Treasury Holdings Group.

Harding-Roots commented: “I’m thrilled to be joining a company with a proven track record of delivering much-needed housing within vibrant, mixed-use neighbourhoods. The commitment to partnering with true enablers, being solution focused and creating exemplary places that are inclusive and welcome all deeply resonates with me.”

Muse’s MD, Phil Mayall, remarked: “Simon joins us with significant experience delivering complex and impactful regeneration. His pedigree, working across London and the South, will help drive our growth in the region and support established and emerging delivery partnerships.”

James Hicks, Aitch Group

James Hicks, Aitch Group

Aitch Group has announced the appointment of James Hicks as head of residential sales and marketing.

With a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the East London market, Hicks first joined Aitch Group in 2018 to launch Bagel Factory, the company’s largest development for sale at the time. He then oversaw the delivery of seven further developments across London and the Home Counties. His first project on returning to Aitch Group is the upcoming development, The Langdon.

Hicks said: “I am delighted to return to Aitch Group, a company where I have achieved some of my greatest professional milestones. I look forward to leveraging my experience and passion for the East London market to drive our sales and marketing initiatives forward and once again work alongside an outstanding and dedicated team.”

Laurence Quail, managing director at Aitch Group, commented: “James’ expertise and deep market knowledge make him the perfect fit to lead our residential sales and marketing strategy.”

Marie-Claire Delbrouque, mhs homes

Marie-Claire Delbrouque, mhs homes

Marie-Claire Delbrouque has been named as the new chief executive of Chatham-based housing provider mhs homes from April 2025, replacing Ashley Hook, who is stepping down after more than 15 years leading the organisation.

Delbrouque currently works at Flagship Group, where she has been managing director since 2018. She has also been chief executive at Hopestead, a registered charity dedicated to ending homelessness in the east of England.

Commenting on her appointment, she said: “I’m thrilled to be joining mhs homes and particularly proud to be its first female CEO. As someone who grew up in social housing, I’m passionate about equality of opportunity and I’m looking forward to working with our customers, our colleagues and the board to provide safe, sustainable homes and communities where people can truly thrive.

Nigel Hopkins, chair of mhs homes group board, added: “We’re confident that Marie-Claire will continue to drive forward our ambition to help end the housing crisis here in north Kent.”

Emma Sadler, YourTRIBE

Emma Sadler, YourTRIBE

PBSA provider YourTRIBE has announced the appointment of Emma Sadler as sales and marketing director.

She brings extensive experience in delivering customer-focused strategies and measurable business success, with a strong background in the Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) sector.

Sadler commented: “I’m delighted to be joining the YourTRIBE team and look forward to contributing to the brand’s continued success. With the development pipeline set to make YourTRIBE the largest PBSA provider in London, my aim is to not only drive growth but continue to elevate the brand.”

Duncan Palmer, director at YourTRIBE, added: “Emma’s expertise and passion for customer-driven growth make her the perfect fit for this role. Her strategic mindset and ability to deliver meaningful brand impact align perfectly with YourTRIBE’s vision. We’re excited to have her on board as we continue to expand and redefine the PBSA experience.”

Tom Dennis, Persimmon Homes

Tom Dennis, Persimmon Homes

Persimmon Homes West Wales has named Tom Dennis as the site manager for the forthcoming Ger y Môr site in Saundersfoot.

He has been working in construction across South Wales since leaving school 20 years ago and has been in the housebuilding industry for the last 12, with stints at Jehu Group, Jones Brothers Henllan Ltd, and Persimmon itself. He earned a degree in Project and Construction Management while working part-time, won a NHBC Pride in the Job award in 2021 and two Quality Recognition awards last year from Premier Guarantee.

Dennis said: “I am pleased to be back working for Persimmon, taking charge on an exciting site that will provide high-quality homes for local people.”

Persimmon Homes West Wales managing director, Stuart Philipps, added: “Tom has two decades of experience and award-winning work to bring to the table, so I have complete confidence that he’ll do a terrific job there alongside a talented team.”

Carina Paine, The FirstPort Group

Carina Paine, The FirstPort Group

Residential property management services provider The FirstPort Group has appointed Carina Paine to the brand new role of head of resident management company services.

She joins from Barratt Redrow, where she was estates manager at its Southern Counties division.

Commenting on her appointment, Paine said: “I am excited to join FirstPort at a time of significant change in the property industry. We continue to improve how we listen to our RMC clients to meet and exceed our customer expectations. I will be working on shaping our service offerings to meet those needs. 

Martin King, managing director of The FirstPort Group, said: “We are delighted to welcome Carina to FirstPort. Her experience of the RMC and developer landscape will be instrumental as we continue to adapt and innovate in response to the evolving needs of our RMC clients. Carina will assist us in delivering a collaborative approach for our resident directors to ensure long-term success and satisfaction for both residents and clients.” 

Robert Holbrook, Keepmoat

Robert Holbrook, Keepmoat

Keepmoat has appointed Robert Holbrook as divisional finance director across the North West, Yorkshire West and MCI regions, to support Andy Mason, divisional chair for the same regional base.

Bringing more than 20 years industry expertise, Holbrook has significant experience working across finance and managing roles within the housebuilding sector. He previously held the position of divisional managing director at Barratt Eastern Counties and David Wilson Homes North West, and most recently managing director at Jones Homes North West.

Holbrook said: “I’m delighted to have joined the Keepmoat team, a business firmly committed to delivering sustainable growth and opportunity for all stakeholders.”

Andy Mason added: “It’s great to welcome Robert on board. He brings a wealth of experience from the housebuilding sector across multiple roles. He is the perfect person to work alongside me and the other members of the regional board as we steer Keepmoat through its next stage of development.”

Phil Jenkins, Peabody

Phil Jenkins, Peabody

Peabody has announced Phil Jenkins as its new chief investment officer. Currently executive director of development at the G15 landlord, he will from 1 April 2025 lead a new investment directorate formed as part of a plan to improve services.

Peter Evans, currently executive director of property services & assets at Peabody, has decided to step back from full-time work and will leave the organisation on 31 May 2025.

A spokesperson said the new directorate “aligns with Peabody’s vision to ensure its homes and neighbourhoods continue to meet residents’ needs.”

Ian McDermott, chief executive of Peabody, said: “Financial and organisational resilience are essential for us to deliver good services and homes for residents. Bringing these services together is a key part of joining up our long-term investment in homes from the very start ensuring they meet residents’ needs throughout their lifetime.”