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.

Gary Martin, Dandara

Gary Martin, Dandara

Dandara has appointed Gary Martin as technical director for its Northern Home Counties region, supporting land acquisition, design, planning and delivery with a focus on collaboration, innovation and quality.

Bringing with him nearly four decades of housebuilding experience, he began his career as a management trainee at Beazer Homes in Bedford and has held senior technical roles at companies including Kier, Persimmon, Stamford Homes and most recently as technical director for Vistry’s East Anglia division.

Martin said: “There’s a real sense of momentum at Dandara – and I wanted to be part of it. It’s a company with strong values and a great team, and I’m looking forward to playing a role in its continued success.”

Simon Pendlebury, MD of Dandara Northern Home Counties, commented on Martin’s appointment: “His track record in delivering high-quality developments will be a real asset as we scale up across the region and we’re thrilled to welcome him to the leadership team.”

Karl Edwards, Allison Homes

Karl Edwards, Allison Homes

Allison Homes has promoted Karl Edwards from operations director to managing director for its East Midlands region.

He joined the company nearly three years ago. Having started his career as a joiner and progressing to site manager at Barratt Homes East Midlands, Edwards now has over 25 years of land and development expertise gained from senior roles at Gladman, Chase Homes, Rippon Homes and Bryant/Taylor Wimpey.

John Anderson, chief executive of Allison Homes, said: “Karl’s deep operational experience and leadership have played a huge part in building our presence in the East Midlands so quickly. I have every confidence in his ability to take the business forward and continue making a real impact in the region.”

Edwards commented: “I’m really excited to be stepping into this new role leading Allison Homes in the East Midlands. We’ve built a great team and having our new office in Castle Donington puts us exactly where we need to be.”

Two appointments, Anwyl Homes

Paul Harrison, Zach Trenchard, Daniel Cunliffe, Anwyl Homes

Anwyl Homes Lancashire has announced two promotions within the technical team based in Buckshaw Village, Chorley.

Paul Harrison (pictured left) has been appointed engineering manager, while Zach Trenchard (pictured right) has stepped up to the role of assistant development engineer.

Harrison joined Anwyl as a development engineer in 2019 having previously worked as a CAD technician for a project management company and a geo-environmental consultancy working with developers during the planning and construction process.

19-year-old Trenchard was taken on by Anwyl in 2023 as a trainee development engineer after completing a T-level in professional construction.

Both will work alongside Daniel Cunliffe (pictured centre), who joined the business as a development engineer in January this year.

Managing director of Anwyl Homes Lancashire, John Grime, said: “Paul and Zach both thoroughly deserve their promotions and have great potential to further their careers with Anwyl, while Daniel is a welcome addition to the business.”

Laura Percy, Muse

Laura Percy, Muse

Laura Percy has been appointed as development director at Muse,

She joins from Landsec, where she spent two years working on Mayfield and plans for the next phases of MediaCity. Prior to that, Percy spent two years as head of development at Bruntwood SciTech where she worked on Circle Square and Sister, the redevelopment of the former UMIST campus into an £1.5billion innovation zone.

In recent months, Muse has been appointed as development partner on large-scale regeneration schemes in Eccles and Wythenshawe and appointed Stuart Rimmer as project director, also from Landsec, and Stephanie Smith as head of residential.

Laura Percy said: “I am delighted to be joining Muse. Joining the team in the North West is an opportunity to support an ambitious pipeline which will be transformative for the region. By bringing my own experience, and working with the established and expert team, we will continue to deliver outstanding regeneration and placemaking and have a real impact on communities.”

Tony Bowden, Hoburne Development

Tony Bowden, Hoburne Development

Family-run Hoburne Development has announced the appointment of a new land manager, reflecting the company’s continued growth and success. 

Tony Bowden joins the team with more than 25 years’ experience in the new build industry, predominantly leading land acquisitions across the South Coast. He has previously worked for Morrish Homes, Linden and Goadsby.

Bowden said: “I’m excited to be joining the Hoburne Development team at such a pivotal time for the company. Already, I feel like a valued member of the team, and I look forward to helping drive the next phase of growth.”

Mark Preston, director of Hoburne Properties, said of Bowden: “His experience and fresh perspective will be invaluable as we continue to expand and grow the business. This appointment reflects our commitment to investing in top talent as we respond to the demand we’re seeing in the market. It’s an exciting time for the business, and Tony will play a key role in that success.”

Two appointments, Adderstone Living

Tim Hart, Will Marshall-Murray, Adderstone Living

Housing provider Adderstone Living has appointed of two senior professionals to head up its Midlands expansion, with Tim Hart (pictured left) named as development director and Will Marshall-Murray (pictured right) as regional director.

Ward brings a strong track record of over 20 years in the housing and development sector, having held senior leadership roles at Morro Partnerships and Countryside Partnerships. 

He said: “Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to work with great teams on projects that really matter and joining Adderstone Living feels like the perfect next step.”

Marshall-Murray brings over 25 years of experience in land, planning, and housing delivery. 

Stephen McCoy, Adderstone Living director, commented: “We always say that our strength lies in our people, which is why we’re so delighted to welcome Tim and Will to the team. They’re a great fit for this next phase of our growth and will play a key role in helping us meet the rising demand for high quality affordable homes across the region.”

Peter Woodward, Abode

Peter Woodward, Abode

Abode, designer of kitchen sinks and taps, boiling water taps, bathroom taps, showering, and newly extended bathroom solutions, has announced the appointment of Peter Woodward as its new marketing manager, following the promotion of Leanne Stansfield to the newly created role of digital and marketing director.

Woodward has joined with an impressive track record in the KBB sector following previous marketing roles at Jacuzzi UK, JT Ellis, and Harrison Bathrooms.

He said: “The brand has a fantastic reputation for quality and innovation. I’m excited to lead and implement marketing strategies that will enhance Abode’s market presence and build brand awareness, ensuring our products remain at the forefront of consumer choice.”

Leanne Stansfield commented: “I’m extremely pleased to welcome Peter to our growing marketing team. He brings exceptional knowledge and expertise from the KBB industry and other sectors. His appointment reflects our commitment to building a dynamic and diverse marketing function capable of driving meaningful growth.”

Lynton Dudgeon, Keepmoat

Lynton Dudgeon, Keepmoat

Keepmoat has strengthened its North West team with the appointment of a new sales director, Lynton Dudgeon.

He brings 28 years of industry experience, having previously worked at Vistry Group, Barratt & David Wilson Homes and Bovis Homes., and joins the team based in Speke to deliver ambitious growth plans across the North West, providing strategic leadership support and drive forward an ambitious five-year sales plan.

Commenting on his appointment, Dudgeon said: “I’m thrilled to be joining such a well-regarded team at an exciting time of growth. Teamwork is essential to achieving sales success and I’m excited to get stuck in and prioritise a collaborative way of working to ensure targets are met, whilst continuing to attain the highest levels of customer satisfaction.”

Regional MD for Keepmoat North West, Peter Barlow, added: “It’s great to welcome Lynton to the team and I am eager to see him further strengthen our sales pipeline and support the growth of our region.”

David McGing, Charles Church

David McGing, Charles Church

Charles Church has strengthened its top team with the appointment of David McGing as UK land director.

He has nearly three decades of industry experience including working for Persimmon Homes across three of its regional businesses between 2010 and 2020. He joins from Bloor Homes, where he worked as divisional land director for the last five years.

Commenting on his appointment, McGing said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to be taking up the post of Charles Church UK land director. It’s an exciting time for the brand and I look forward to playing my part in growing the business.”

Liam Scott, UK managing director Charles Church, said: “We’re delighted to have appointed David to Charles Church UK land director. David’s skills and experience will be a real asset as we look to deliver ambitious plans to grow our reinvigorated Charles Church brand. I look forward to working with him.”

Three appointments, Richborough

David Moore, Freddy Stephens, Shareen Mitchell, Richborough

Land promotion firm Richborough has welcomed three new specialists to its expanding team’

David Moore has been appointed senior technical coordinator, based in the company’s London office and with a focus on its South East and South West regions. He joins from Taylor Wimpey with over 15 years of experience, including roles at Redrow and David Wilson Homes.

Joining the newly formed Planning Delivery team, Freddy Stephens has stepped in as senior planning delivery manager. He arrives with a background in pre-construction and planning at St Modwen.

Shareen Mitchell has joined Richborough’s Birmingham HQ as technical coordinator, supporting the delivery of complex sites. Previously at St Modwen Homes, she brings strong experience in engineering, BNG and sustainability.

Rodger Shipway, Greencore Homes

Rodger Shipway, Greencore Homes

Greencore Homes has appointed Rodger Shipway for the newly created role of head of sales and marketing. 

Shipway, with more than 30 years’ experience in UK and international real estate sales and marketing, was previously sales and marketing director for new homes at Greensquare Homes. Prior to that, he also served as head of sales, marketing and lettings at MCD Developments and held roles at Ocean Estates International and Miller Homes.

Laura Stone, COO of Greencore Homes, said: “Rodger’s appointment comes at an exciting time for Greencore as we prepare to launch The Canopies to the market and continue to see our pipeline grow. Rodger brings decades of expertise across the breadth of the housing sector, paired with a genuine passion for what we do at Greencore and a dynamic approach to driving excellence.”

Shipway added: “I am thrilled to now join the multi-award-winning team at Greencore Homes and support their ambitious plans to deliver 10,000 better than net zero homes by 2035.”

Multiple appointments, Dolphin Living

Jason Green, Dolphin Living

Alongside a number of other senior appointments, Dolphin Living has named Jason Green (pictured) as chair of the board.

Green, who has more than 30 years’ experience in real estate, funding and treasury, is currently managing partner of Liverpool Street Capital Advisors. Prior to that he served as CEO of Halsbury Homes, head of financing advisory at Investec and was a corporate finance partner at PwC. To date, he has spent almost two years as a Dolphin Living board member and member of its acquisition, finance and development committee.

Setareh Neshati, director of regeneration and development at Westminster City Council, has been appointed as the council’s representative on the board, and Jess Wallis and Darren Parker are now part of its acquisition, finance and development committee. Foong-Yee Cross has been appointed to its audit and risk committee.

Olivia Harris, chief executive of Dolphin Living, said: “We are looking forward to Jason’s leadership in his capacity as our chair.”

Sharon Thomas, Thirteen Group

Sharon Thomas, Thirteen Group

Middlesbrough-based Thirteen Group has appointed Sharon Thomas to as its new chief investment and property officer, to lead its investment, development and partnerships, and asset optimisation teams, which have recently been brought together into one directorate.

Thomas joined the company in 2017 and is vacating her post as development and partnerships director.

She commented: “I’m absolutely delighted to secure this new role at Thirteen, a brilliant organisation where I am surrounded by talented and committed colleagues every day. I am really looking forward to leading Thirteen’s strategy as we seek to take full advantage and make sure our customers feel the benefits.”

Chief executive, Matt Forrest, said: “Sharon demonstrated great energy throughout a competitive recruitment process, as well as a deep understanding of the importance of leadership and culture in delivering our business strategy. We’re looking forward to having Sharon’s big thinking and energy in our new look leadership team.”