We take our weekly look at appointments and promotions across the housebuilding industry and its supply chain.
Gareth J. Owen, Gleeson Homes
Gleeson Homes has announced the appointment of Gareth J. Owen as land director for the Greater Manchester and Merseyside region.
He has extensive expertise in the North West market and brings over 30 years of experience in the housebuilding industry, with more than 20 of those years spent in director-level roles.
Owen’s career began with an 18-year tenure at Taylor Wimpey, leaving as its North West land and planning director. He also spent time as land and partnerships manager at Keepmoat. His most recent role was that of divisional land director for the North of England at McCarthy Stone.
Gareth Roberts, regional managing director at Gleeson Homes, said: “We welcome Gareth to the Gleeson Homes team. His wealth of experience, particularly within the North West, aligns perfectly with our plans to strengthen our regional land pipeline.”
Owen said: “I look forward to contributing to Gleeson’s vision and working collaboratively with the team to deliver exceptional results.”
Gary Durden, Bruckland Developments
Surrey-based Bruckland Developments has appointed Gary Durden as its new land director, joining fellow land director Chris Maunders as the company looks to expand its portfolio and to ramp up the number of new development sites across the Home Counties.
Formerly a partner in a private residential development company, as well as a director of his own consultancy, Durden brings with him a strategic approach and a wealth of experience across planning and land acquisition. He has held previous roles at Linden Homes, Berkeley and Bellway, as well as running his own residential projects.
Durden commented: “I have always been impressed with the high quality of the Bruckland product. Now is an opportune time for us to expand, incorporating some larger, well-positioned sites into the mix.”
The company’s MD, Joe Bruckland, said: “Gary has joined the Bruckland team at a pivotal time, bringing a new energy and drive to our ambitious growth plans.”
Two appointments, Newmark Group
Newmark Group has announced two appointments to its specialist Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) Multifamily Capital Markets team in London: Andrew Smith as a senior leader and Harriet Bantock as senior associate.
Smith was involved in the sale of Pavilion Court in Wembley on behalf of DWS and also sold Scape Dublin, the largest PBSA transaction in Ireland since 2022. He was formerly the head of student accommodation at Cushman & Wakefield.
Bantock was also involved in the sale of Scape Dublin, and her work extends to PBSA transactions in Europe overseeing over €600m transacted in Spain and Ireland, including standing investments and forward purchases.
Smith commented: “Whilst there are new risks in the form of building safety and changing international student trends, there are huge opportunities for PBSA to answer to the housing demand in the UK. With our growing team bringing together best-in-class specialists in the sector, Newmark is well placed to advise clients on how to capitalise on these opportunities.”
Richard Robins, Genesis Homes
Richard Robins (pictured right) has been appointed to head up Genesis Homes’ move southwards as land director for Lancashire and the North West.
Robins has had spells with Redrow, David Wilson Homes, Vistry Group, and most recently as regional land director for Greater Manchester and Merseyside at Gleeson Homes. Genesis Homes, which acquired Russell Armer Homes in April 2021, currently has just one Lancashire development.
Robins commented: “I’m very much looking forward to helping Genesis Homes make its mark in the North West in the coming years by selecting desirable areas that complement our high-quality homes.”
Nicky Gordon (pictured left), founder and managing director of Genesis Homes, remarked: “It wouldn’t be dramatic to say that this is a crucial moment for our company, and Richard’s arrival is a key step towards ensuring we have the best possible expertise in place as we move forward. His extensive track record makes him the perfect fit for this role.”
Tyler Mudie, NHBC/NTWDC/Keepmoat
Newcastle teenager Tyler Mudie has recently been promoted from apprentice to trainee site manager at New Tyne West Development Company’s (NTWDC’s) The Rise in Scotswood.
The 19-year-old, was trained by the National House Building Council (NHBC) at its training hub on the site over the course of 14 to 18 months and working as part of a bricklaying team at The Rise, supported by new build partner Keepmoat.
Mudie was awarded Young Builder of the Year at the end of 2024 at the Youth Build UK Awards and will be enrolling on a Level 4 NVQ in Site Supervision with the NHBC.
Geoff Scott, social value manager at Keepmoat and NTWDC spokesperson, said: “Tyler has impressed everyone he has met – both on site and at the NHBC Training Hub. He is professional in his approach and very driven.”
Mudie added: “I am grateful of the opportunity the apprenticeship has given me. I am really enjoying the challenge, and I love being on site.”
Tristan Mahoney, Recognise Bank
Recognise Bank has announced the appointment of Tristan Mahoney as chief financial officer, subject to regulatory approval.
He joins to oversee the bank’s financial operations and support the growth plans aimed at continuing to support UK SMEs and property investors. Prior to joining Recognise Bank, Mahoney was head of sinance at StreamBank and previously had spent time as an independent consultant in addition to roles at MUFG and Morgan Stanley.
Mahoney said of his appointment: “The bank is poised for an exciting future and I am looking forward to driving this forward with a great team towards profitability and growth.”
Outgoing CFO, Marina Gosling, commented: “I congratulate Tristan on his appointment and wish the team all the best for the future.”
Recognise Bank CEO, Simon Bateman, added: “We are excited to expand our team and welcome Tristan to the Bank as we embark on our next phase of growth.”
