We take our weekly look at appointments and promotions across the housebuilding industry and its supply chain.
Jordan Harris, Bellway
Bellway North East has appointed Jordan Harris as its new commercial director, based at the division’s head office in Gateshead
The 35-year-old Yorkshireman began his career by studying for a National Diploma in Construction straight from school and going on to complete a degree in Quantity Surveying and Commercial Management at the University of Bolton, graduating in 2012. Following a QS role with Keith Walton, he spent nine years at Keepmoat, progressing to commercial manager. He joins having previously been commercial director at Gleeson Homes.
He said: “I’ve always had a passion for housing in the sense of wanting to create a community and that excites me. It goes from a piece of land to a community with someone pushing a pram along the street. A lot of hours go into it and it’s rewarding to know that we have played a strong part in it. You can drive past in 10 years’ time and say, ‘I was involved in that’.”
Matthew Jeal, Greencore Homes
WhatHouse? Award-winning Greencore Homes has appointed Matthew Jeal as head of planning, strengthening its senior team as the business continues its ambitious growth plans.
Jeal (pictured right) joins from Cala Group, where he was head of planning for the Cotswolds and then Chiltern regions, and brings with him extensive experience across the residential development sector He has held a number of senior positions, including director roles at Beechcroft Developments, Country Estates and Darcliffe Homes, as well as head of planning & development at Shanly Homes. He has a master’s degree in Spatial Planning, specialising in Urban Design.
Jeal commented: “What stands out about Greencore is its clear commitment to delivering Better Than Net Zero homes at scale, creating schemes that not only meet planning requirements but set a new benchmark for sustainable placemaking.”
Jon Di-Stefano, CEO of Greencore Homes, said of Jeal: “His expertise will be instrumental as we continue to scale the business and bring forward a growing pipeline of high-quality developments.”
Three appointments, Gleeson Homes
Gleeson Homes South and West Yorkshire has further strengthened its senior regional team, with Kenny Mawson as technical director, David Hodgkinson as commercial director, and Richard Love to the newly created role of head of finance.
Mawson (pictured centre) brings over 35 years of experience in the construction and housebuilding industry, with senior leadership roles with several of the UK’s largest PLCs and SME developers. For five years as a technical director, he has delivered residential schemes of all sizes and tenures across Yorkshire and the Midlands.
Hodgkinson (pictured right) brings over 25 years of industry experience and joins from North Country Homes, where he served as managing quantity surveyor. Previous jobs senior roles at Barratt Homes and Persimmon Homes.
Love (pictured left) previously served as finance business partner within this Gleeson Homes regions for over three years. The creation of his role is part of MJ Gleeson’s Project Transform programme. He will line-manage and develop the region’s newly appointed finance manager, Oliver Hume.
Two appointments, Bidwells
Bidwells has appointed Matthew Pigott and Tim Sturgess as partners in its planning team, together bringing over three decades of experience in complex planning work across London and the South East.
Pigott (pictured left) joins with an extensive track record across central and wider London. He brings particular expertise in commercial development, including mixed-use redevelopment schemes. He has advised across the full development lifecycle, from site promotion and early feasibility through to planning permission, amendments and delivery.
Sturgess (pictured right) joins as group partner and will lead Bidwells’ Outer London and South East offer. He has nearly 20 years’ experience in residential-led mixed-use development and strategic site promotion.
Chris Pattison, head of planning at Bidwells, said: “We are delighted to welcome Matthew and Tim to our growing London Team. These are experts who have spent years working through technically demanding schemes and know how to find a route through for our clients.”
Robert King, Knight Frank
Knight Frank has promoted Robert King to head of project management, supporting the continued expansion of the firm’s broader Project & Building Consultancy service line.
Since joining the firm in 2007, King has played a key role within its Project Management team, supporting clients on high-profile corporate relocations, workplace design and construction projects across the EMEA region. He has for the several years led Knight Frank’s Landlord and Developer Project Management team.
He said: “Having worked in Knight Frank’s Project Management department for over 18 years, I’m thrilled to take on this new leadership role.”
Charles Ingram Evans, head of Project and Building Consultancy at Knight Frank, commented: “Robert has played a pivotal role over recent years in supporting the leadership and continuity of the project management team. His professionalism, technical capability and strong client relationships further reinforced his suitability for this new role, and we are excited to continue to work with him in his new position as the department continues to grow.”
