We take our weekly look at appointments and promotions across the housebuilding industry and its supply chain.
Louise Warren, Kebbell Homes
Kebbell Homes has announced the promotion of Louise Warren to the role of senior quantity surveyor, reflecting her outstanding contribution to a number of key developments.
She will now take on greater responsibility across a range of projects, playing a key role in the delivery of Kebbell’s developments across the South of England.
Commenting on her promotion, Warren said: “I’m incredibly proud to take on the role of senior quantity surveyor at Kebbell. The company has been incredibly supportive of my development and I’m excited to continue working on high specification projects with such a talented and passionate team.”
Craig Kelly, head of construction Southern division added: “Louise’s promotion is thoroughly deserved. Her proactive approach, attention to detail and strong collaborative spirit make her an invaluable asset to Kebbell. We look forward to seeing her continue to thrive in her new role.”
Three appointments, Knight Frank
Knight Frank has announced the expansion of its South-East New Homes team with some new appointments.
The Guildford-based team has welcomed Sarah Gunn and Lucy Sutherland as associates, alongside Grace Blythen as operations coordinator. The new hires will support the company’s coverage across Surrey, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire, working under the leadership of Laura Hackney, head of South-East New Homes.
The appointments come at a time of significant growth for the team, which has secured several major new instructions including Headley Court for Elivia Homes; Brooklands Grove for Cala; Haslemere Heights for Runnymede Homes; Charleston for Westbourne Homes; and Kingsdown for Nomad Developments.
Laura Hackney said: “Sarah brings valuable estate agency expertise while Lucy’s background in developer sales adds real depth to our service and together with Grace who joins after many years of working in the banking sector, enhance our ability to support clients at every stage of the sales process.”
Emma Sanderson, Gleeson Homes
Gleeson Homes has announce the appointment of Emma Sanderson as sales director for its Cumbria region.
Having previously worked at HSBC, where she spent over 13 years as a premier manager, Sanderson entered the housebuilding sector nine years ago. She joins Gleeson from Oakmere Homes, where she held the role of sales director and played a key role in the company’s growth, supporting its expansion from building on two developments to seven developments.
Frazer Thompson, regional managing director at Gleeson Homes, said: “Emma will be instrumental in establishing a comprehensive sales capability in the region as we enter our next phase of growth and continue in our mission to provide affordable, high-quality homes.”
Sanderson commented: “Gleeson has a clear proposition and an unwavering commitment to quality and affordability, and I look forward to working with the team to drive sales, maximise conversions and deliver the company’s significant growth potential. I can’t wait to get started!”
Two appointments, The Hill Group
The Hill Group has made two senior sales appointments, with Eloise Solari joining as head of sales for London and Sarah Boyce taking on the role of head of sales for the South West and Southern divisions.
Solari’s career includes previous roles at Ballymore, Taylor Wimpey Central London and Galliard Homes where she led the sales team at flagship developments. Her expertise will be instrumental in shaping Hill’s sales strategies for its major London developments, including Kew Bridge Rise, Lampton Parkside, North Gate Park and Dagenham Green.
Boyce joins Hill at a pivotal time for its South West expansion. She has held positions at Redrow Thames Valley, HarperCrewe, and Crest Nicholson in Bristol, and has spent 20 years with Berkeley Group, rising to sales and marketing director for the Oxford and Chiltern division.
Andy Hill OBE, founder and group chief executive of The Hill Group, said: “Their expertise will be invaluable in driving sales to support our expansion in London, Bristol and the South West.”
Jordan Page, Roca
Roca Group UK has welcomed Jordan Page as its new residential specification manager, reporting into Liam Buxton, new build director.
This is Page’s first role in the bathroom industry, but he has worked as an account manager across a number of other industries, including aerospace and Formula 1.
He said: “Being new to the bathroom world, obviously my first challenge is developing a strong understanding of the industry. But I’ve been given such a warm welcome and am already looking forward to forming long-lasting relationships and friendships across the region for many years to come.”
Liam Buxton commented: “This is a part of our business where momentum is key and Jordan will be an essential part in pushing forward and building our already strong relationships with the housebuilding industry. He has hit the ground running and I’m really impressed by his work ethic and enthusiasm.”
Ben Smallwood, London Belgravia Group
Latent Defects Insurance and structural warranty consultancy London Belgravia Group has announced the appointment of Ben Smallwood as director of construction risk management.
He comes on board with over a decade of specialist experience in construction inspection and major projects management, having worked on some of the UK’s most prestigious and complex developments including the British Museum, the regeneration of the Nine Elms area and the Landmark Pinnacle, one of the tallest buildings in the UK.
Smallwood’s career includes a role at Bureau Veritas, where he supported clients as part of the Building Control team, and four years at Premier Guarantee and LABC Warranty, most recently as the Major Projects business manager.
Alex Lyons, commercial director at London Belgravia Group, commented: “His deep technical knowledge and proven ability to anticipate and mitigate construction risks perfectly complement our existing industry expertise in the latent defects warranty market and beyond.”
Tim Wheen, Gateley Legal
Gateley Legal has appointed partner Tim Wheen at its Guildford office as it continues to expand its specialist residential development team in the South.
Wheen joins from Foot Anstey and brings a total of 16 years’ experience acting for housebuilders and developers on joint venture, collaboration and consortium agreements. He has vast expertise advising on strategic and immediate land matters, as well as conditional and simple contracts, overages and environmental and contamination issues.
Commenting on his appointment, Wheen said: “Gateley Legal’s residential development team has an outstanding reputation within the industry acting for the UK’s biggest housebuilders and developers. Its seamless offering of both legal and consultancy services for clients is truly exceptional and it’s great to be joining at such an exciting time.”
Andy Wilson, partner and national head of the residential development team at Gateley Legal, said: “We’re really pleased to have Tim onboard with us.”
Two appointments, Persimmon Homes
Persimmon Homes South Midlands has strengthened its sales team with two appointments.
Clare Bright (pictured right) joins the company as sales director, arriving from Bloor Homes East Midlands where she undertook a similar role. She is joined by Laura Handy (pictured left), a sales manager who previously worked at Lovell Homes.
Commenting on her appointment, Bright said: “This is an exciting time to join the business and looking forward to building on and developing the existing sales team and continuing the sales success.”
Handy added: “It feels like a great time to join the South Midlands team. There’s a great energy in the team and a clear focus on moving forward.”
Russell Griffin, MD at Persimmon Homes South Midlands, remarked of the new appointments: “We’re delighted to be strengthening our sales team with the appointment of Clare and Laura. Their skills and experience will be a real asset to the South Midlands team and the business more generally.”
Two appointments, Home Group Scotland
As two new members to its board: Jackie McIntosh and Andrew Wilmot both bring valuable experience to the work of Home Group Scotland.
McIntosh has comes with almost 30 years’ experience gained in both housing associations and local authorities. She is currently the director of assets & sustainability at Trust Housing Association, and over the last 20 years played a lead role in key new build and regeneration projects both in local government and in the social housing sector. McIntosh has also previously held non-executive roles with representative bodies including Homes For Scotland and the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations.
Wilmot is currently a partner and masterplanning & placemaking lead at Oberlanders Architects and brings a wealth of diverse experience to the role, having spent some 30 years designing and delivering key large-scale masterplanning, architecture and placemaking projects.
Susan Deacon, chair of Home Group Scotland, said: “I look forward to […] seeing the fresh and exciting perspectives they bring to the work of our board.”
Tom Raveglia, Skipton Properties
Skipton Properties has announced that Tom Raveglia’s position as head of construction has now been made permanent.
His interim promotion was announced in November 2024, and over the past six months has embraced the role wholeheartedly. Raveglia’s background includes experience with both volume and bespoke residential developers, where he achieved a well-rounded understanding of site management, health and safety, and the technical and commercial aspects of housebuilding.
Managing director, Sarah Barraclough, said: “Tom has proved time and time again that he’s not only capable, but inspiring. He brings both a calm assurance and a thoughtful energy to the role, and we’ve all benefited from his greater presence over the past six months. Making his position permanent was an easy decision and we’re excited to see what he achieves next.”
Raveglia commented: “It’s a privilege to work for a company where quality is more than a goal, it’s part of the culture. I’m looking forward to building on what we’ve already achieved together.”
Ian Shapiro, BRE
The Building Research Establishment (BRE) has appointed Ian Shapiro as its new chief executive officer (CEO), to replace Gillian Charlesworth, who is retiring from full-time work after six years as CEO.
Expected to take up the post in September 2025, Shapiro joins after seven years as CEO of Reall, a non-profit organisation that invests in and develops sustainable, affordable housing solutions in urban Africa and Asia. He is also on the advisory committee for the United Nations under secretary general and executive director for UN Habitat, and is a non-executive director at Midlands housing association WHG.
Shapiro has also held leadership positions at Crown Agents and the UK government’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and has worked in countries across Africa and Asia.
Phil Wilbraham, non-executive director of BRE Group and chair of BRE Trust, said: “I am looking forward to working with Ian Shapiro as he takes on the leadership of BRE later this year.”
Multiple appointments, Knight Frank
Knight Frank has announced a multitude of promotions across the UK business, including its residential team, with effect from 1 July 2025.
New partners for residential are: Adam Andersson Broholm, Chiswick Sales; Adam Rutherford, Client Services; Alex Robinson, Private Office; Anna Narizzano, Chelsea & South Kensington Sales; Celia Mallet, Prime Central London Developments; Charlie Steele, Birmingham Residential Development Land; Ilana Ormonde, Belsize Park Sales; James Jones, Knight Frank Finance London; Jamie Pigott, Knight Frank Finance London; Jamie-Leigh Harvey, Super Prime; Luke Hewens, Marylebone Lettings; and Jo Sutherland, Fulham Sales.
New associates for residential are: Charlie Anthony, Marylebone; Chervon Pierre, Residential Lettings Management; Claire Mengham, Chelsea & South Kensington; Ed Bird, Bristol Residential Development Land & Planning; Florence Biss, Exeter; Francis Burca, Wimbledon; Freddie Sandercock, RC East & Midlands; Irene Pastor, Living Sectors Research; Izzy Downes, Cirencester Residential Valuations; James King, Kings Cross Lettings; James Szalay, Battersea & Riverside Lettings; Joe Vallone, Baker Street Project Marketing; Julian Sebag-Montefiore, Private Office; Laura Wenzel, Rural Client Finance; Lee Cartledge; Maisie Bywater, Esher; Mark Endraca, Knight Frank Finance London; Matt Clapp, Knight Frank Finance – Home Counties; Neil Anandakumar, Residential Lettings Accounts; Oli Streeter, Country Department; Toby Parrant, Knight Frank Finance – Home Counties; Tom Knowlden, Cobham.
William Beardmore-Gray (pictured), senior partner and group chair, Knight Frank, said: “Each individual recognised has earned this achievement through their dedication, collaboration, and embodiment of the values that define our partnership.”
