We take our weekly look at appointments and promotions across the housebuilding industry and its supply chain.
Tim Rackham, Applethwaite
Eric Wright Group has announced the appointment of Tim Rackham as managing director of its residential home building division, Applethwaite.
He joined the company just under three years ago and since then has played a key role in improving company operations across multiple areas.
Jeremy Hartley, CEO of the Eric Wright Group, said: “Tim has played a pivotal role since joining Applethwaite. The decision to appoint him as managing director comes at an ideal time, providing strong operational continuity as we look to the future.”
Rackham commented: “I’m excited for the next phase at Applethwaite, we have bold ambitions and with the strong and talented leadership team and dedicated staff we have much to look forward to. I’m delighted to be able to build on our successes and put to work our growth ambitions.”
Guy Evans, Keepmoat
Keepmoat has announced the appointment of Guy Evans as land & partnerships director for the Yorkshire West region.
Evans brings 30 years of industry experience and joins the Leeds-based team following a number of senior leadership roles across land and regional management. Most recently, he was land director at Avant Homes, having previously served as managing director at Crest Nicholson and as land director at Bellway Homes.
Commenting on his appointment, he said: “Having started my career as a trainee site manager and having spent the last 30 years working across land leadership roles, I’m incredibly proud to be joining Keepmoat and taking on the role of land & partnerships director for Yorkshire West.
Warren Thompson, regional managing director, added: “We’re delighted to welcome Guy to the Yorkshire West team. His extensive experience across land, planning and regional leadership will be invaluable as we continue to grow our presence and deliver much-needed, high-quality, sustainable homes across the region.”
Roma Sondhi, Persimmon Homes
Persimmon Homes West Midlands has appointed a new land manager to oversee its growing portfolio across the region.
Roma Sondhi joins from Vistry, where she began her career in the housebuilding industry as a graduate in 2021, completing a two-year graduate scheme alongside a Master’s in real estate. She progressed through the land team, most recently holding the role of land manager before her move to Persimmon.
Commenting on her appointment, Roma said: “I’m really pleased to have joined Persimmon Homes. My focus will be on identifying opportunities that benefit local communities. I’m looking forward to working with colleagues, local authorities, and residents to make a positive difference in the West Midlands.”
Nick Evans, land director of Persimmon Homes West Midlands, added: “Roma brings valuable experience and a deep understanding of the local market. Her appointment strengthens our land team as we continue to deliver high-quality homes that meet the needs of local communities in the West Midlands.”
Guy Powell, Muse
Muse has welcomed Guy Powell, senior project manager, to its southern team.
He brings with him more than 16 years’ experience across construction, property and placemaking, including leading complex regeneration that puts sustainability, social impact and community at the heart of delivery. Powell joins from Populo Living Ltd, where he led the delivery of mixed-use and residential communities. Prior to that, he worked at Turner & Townsend as project manager on major urban transformations and infrastructure including Battersea Power Station and Chelsea Barracks.
Powell remarked: “I am excited to be joining the team and to play a role in developments that create lasting social, economic and environmental value.”
Simon Harding-Roots, regional managing director at Muse for the South, added: “Guy’s expertise in sustainable and responsible development and technology in construction aligns with our ethos at Muse for delivering developments that are commercially successful, but, crucially, create a positive lasting impact on communities and the environment.”
Chantel Cresswell, Lovell
Lovell has appointed Chantel Cresswell as its head of partnerships, as the firm looks to boost public sector and joint venture tie-ups.
A former senior manager with Homes England, this is Cresswell’s second stint with the company, having previously worked in the partnerships division as recently as 2022. In all, she has more than a decade of experience across both open market and partnership housing.
Cresswell commented: “This feels like the right time to return to the partnerships market, with the new 10-year Social and Affordable Homes Programme getting underway and strong demand driving the need for rapid delivery. It’s an exciting time to be back at Lovell and to support the business through this next phase.”
Stuart Penn, regional managing director at Lovell, said: “Chantel’s experience gives her a deep understanding of the partnerships sector and how to support delivery on the ground, making her a true asset to the team.”
Multiple appointments, Robertson Partnership Homes
Robertson Partnership Homes (RPH) has announced the appointment of its new board.
Managing director John Baggley (pictured centre), who started with the business in April last year, is joined by operations director Craig Smith (pictured left), commercial director Ed Parry (pictured second left), finance director Paul Gray (pictured second right) and pre-construction director Andy Park (pictured right).
Baggley said: “With the board in place, we will build on our strong track record of delivering high-quality, sustainable housing that supports our partners in meeting their housing and environmental targets.”
Elliot Robertson, CEO of Robertson Group, commented: “The refreshed board reinforces RPH’s position as a trusted partner of choice within the affordable housing sector. Local authorities and RSLs are facing sustained pressure to accelerate the delivery of homes that prioritise sustainability and long-term value, and RPH is well placed to work alongside partners to help meet this growing demand.”
Charlotte Mimms, Turley
Independent advisory firm Turley has appointed Charlotte Mimms as a director in its Heritage, Townscape and Landscape team, based in the firm’s London office.
She joins from fabrik, where she was technical director of landscape planning. With over 16 years’ experience in this area, working predominantly in the residential sector, she recently advised on a settlement extension in Hertfordshire, a large-scale grey belt scheme in Surrey and site promotions across the South West of England.
Speaking about the appointment, director and head of landscape & VIA, Joanna Ede, said: “We’re thrilled to have Charlotte as part of the team and she will play a crucial role in strengthening our ability to deliver exceptional heritage, townscape and landscape services to our clients.”
Mimms added: “Turley has an excellent reputation in the industry and I am delighted to be joining the team at a pivotal time for landscape planning and grey belt appraisals. I look forward to working with colleagues and clients to help shape thriving developments.”
