We take our weekly look at appointments and promotions across the housebuilding industry and its supply chain.
Alex Richards, Cala Homes
Cala Homes has announced the appointment of Alex Richards as managing director of its Chiltern region, overseeing sites across Oxfordshire, the Cotswolds and the West Midlands.
He brings with him significant industry experience, joining from Taylor Wimpey, where he served as MD of its South Thames and North Thames businesses. He began his career in site management, progressing to hold senior leadership roles including those at Kier Homes and David Wilson Homes.
Richards said: “Cala has an excellent reputation for design, quality, and customer service, and I look forward to working with our talented team to build on the strong foundations already in place and drive the next phase of growth for the business.
“Following a string of successful applications across Hertfordshire, Gloucestershire and Warwickshire, we’re looking to continue the momentum in 2026.”
Two appointments, Redrow
Redrow has announced two new promotions within its North West team, with Amanda Jones appointed head of sales and Kerrie Clayton now head of customer services.
Jones (pictured left) joined Redrow’s graduate training programme in 2015 and subsequently progressed through the ranks as a project coordinator, area sales manager and finally sales manager before taking on her new role.
She said: “I have always found the property industry so interesting. There are so many different opportunities and experiences working in this industry. The people I have worked with during my career makes Redrow a place where I thoroughly enjoy working.”
Clayton (pictured right) has been working for Redrow for 12 years, joining the team in Lancashire as a customer service coordinator before moving on to senior coordinator, customer service manager, senior customer service manager, and now head of customer services.
She commented: “This job is tough, but you also get such a high level of satisfaction. Working in this industry is incredibly rewarding, offering skills that last a lifetime.”
Alexandra Smith, Allison Homes
Allison Homes has announced the appointment of Alexandra Smith to the newly created role of group legal counsel.
Smith brings with her more than 20 years’ experience in property. After completing her legal training, she went on to build a distinguished career specialising in residential and commercial property at Geldards LLP and Gateley PLC.
Smith joined the business in January 2026 and now works closely with general counsel, Deborah Brown, to strengthen Allison Homes’ legal capability and provide strategic guidance across all aspects of land acquisition, development and partnerships. She will also provide legal support to the company’s Partnerships division and its work with housing associations and partners to deliver affordable homes.
She said: “In‑house roles like this don’t come along often, so I feel very fortunate to have joined Allison Homes at such an exciting time. Everyone has been incredibly welcoming, and it’s great to be part of a business that’s open, collaborative and focused on doing things the right way.”
James MacKay, Persimmon Homes
Persimmon Homes has appointed James MacKay as regional managing director with responsibility for supporting the company’s operations in east Scotland, while continuing in his existing role as MD of Persimmon North Scotland.
He joined Persimmon Homes in 2011 as a quantity surveyor and has progressed through the business, taking the helm in north Scotland in 2020. He has guided the business through the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic and overseen a record level of development, helping to meet growing demand for new homes across the region.
MacKay said: “I’m proud to take on the role of regional managing director and support our east Scotland business at such an important time. There is strong demand for new homes across the region, and it’s important we continue to deliver for the communities we serve.
“We have strong teams in place, and I’m looking forward to working alongside them to maintain momentum, support our developments, and ensure we’re well positioned for the future as we recruit a new managing director.”
Sally Brooks, Lovell Homes
Lovell Homes has appointed Sally Brookes as regional sales manager for the East Midlands.
She has more than two decades of experience in the housebuilding industry, beginning her career in 2002 as a sales administrator before progressing to sales manager level.
In her new position, she will oversee developments including St Aidan’s Gardens in Burton on Trent; Balderton Rise in Newark; and Swinfen Vale in Coalville.
Speaking about her appointment, Brookes said: “I’m delighted to be joining Lovell Homes and a company where the ethos and customer mission is to create a place for everyone. The business doesn’t just build homes, it is passionate about building long-lasting communities, which is something I was very attracted to.
Lovell Homes regional sales director, Dawn Bennett, said: “Sally’s appointment is a key part of our strategic growth plans for the East Midlands. Her extensive experience, leadership skills and deep understanding of the customer journey make her a fantastic addition to the team.”
Three appointments, Richborough
Richborough has confirmed a trio of appointments, with Katie Saunders and Rhys Tupper being promoted to the role of regional manager and Nick Matthews promoted to technical manager.
Saunders (picture centre) works in Richborough’s Central region, overseeing sites in Warwickshire, Oxfordshire, Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire; Tupper (pictured left) is part of the company’s South East team; Matthews (pictured right) is based at the company’s HQ in Birmingham.
James Bradshaw, Richborough’s East Division managing director, said: “These promotions reflect Katie, Nick and Rhys’ consistent and valued contributions, each playing an instrumental role in their teams, be it securing high profile new sites in their respective regions, managing the regional portfolio through the planning and disposal process or contributing to unlocking sites through design and technical input with the wider Richborough team.
“They have demonstrated the commitment and key skills required to support our continued growth at Richborough and we’re delighted to officially recognise their hard work, experience and loyalty with these promotions.”
Vanessa Hale, Real Estate:UK
Vanessa Hale has been confirmed as Real Estate:UK’s founding chief executive ahead of its official launch as the new collective voice of the UK’s real estate industry on 30 April 2026.
Hale joins the organisation from Strutt & Parker/BNP Paribas Real Estate, where she was head of research & strategy and a member of the UK executive leadership team. She has more than 20 years of global experience in research and strategy within the built environment across various asset classes including Build-to-Rent, office, retail, and industrial sectors.
Her significant contributions to the Urban Land Institute include serving as the youngest chair of ULI UK, regularly liaising with government bodies and engaging with media. She has served on the Commercial Property Forum of the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, and has been been a member of the Property Industry Alliance board.
Hale said: “I am excited to begin this next chapter for the real estate industry.”
Nick Lee, RivingtonHark
RivingtonHark has appointed Nick Lee to its board as executive director.
Lee has more than 30 years of real estate experience and previously worked for the likes of Knight Frank, Berkeley Group and CEG. His experience includes asset managing Gunwharf Quays in Portsmouth, delivering EQ in Bristol and securing consent for a 1,500-unit build-to-rent scheme opposite Birmingham New Street station.
David Lewis, managing director and co-owner of RivingtonHark, said: “I have long respected Nick’s ability to deliver complex, high-profile developments, and his appointment not only strengthens our leadership but brings the cross-sector expertise essential for delivering sustainable, thriving communities.”
Lee added: “Town and city centre regeneration now demands a far more sophisticated approach, bringing together the right mix of uses, strong asset repositioning and long-term stewardship. RivingtonHark has built an impressive track record in this space and has a healthy pipeline, and I’m looking forward to helping scale that delivery across offices, residential and truly mixed-use environments for both public and private sector partners.”
