We take our weekly look at appointments and promotions across the housebuilding industry and its supply chain.
Matthew Swallow, Gleeson Homes
Gleeson Homes has announced the appointment of Matthew Swallow as commercial director for its North West region, covering Greater Manchester, Merseyside and Cumbria.
Swallow brings more than 20 years of experience in the housebuilding industry, having worked extensively across Cumbria and the wider North West. He began his career at Persimmon as a quantity surveyor before joining Story Homes, where he progressed rapidly through the business from commercial manager to commercial director, a role which he held for eight year prior to his move to Gleeson.
Swallow said: “With a strong team in place, I look forward to building on the existing business and relationships in Cumbria, whilst growing and establishing the Greater Manchester and Merseyside region.”
Joanne Morrison, regional MD at Gleeson Homes, added: “We’re thrilled to welcome Matthew to the team. He brings a wealth of experience and a strong commercial mindset, which will be instrumental as we continue to grow our presence across the North West.”
Jeanette Hodges, Orbit
Orbit has appointed Jeanette Hodges as regeneration and asset management director, having served as strategic asset management director at the organisation since May 2024.
Hodges has held senior roles in strategic portfolio investment and energy performance, and led large-scale transformation projects. Before joining Orbit, she held asset management and property leadership positions within the Utilities and Financial Services sectors. A recognised thought leader on asset strategy and decarbonisation in the housing sector, she is a regular speaker at sector conferences and events.
Scott Rutherford, chief property and regeneration officer for Orbit, said: “Jeanette is an outstanding leader whose expertise in strategic asset management, decarbonisation and sustainability makes her exceptionally well placed to lead our work in ensuring our homes and communities deliver what customers need and value in the long-term.”
Joining Hodges’ team is Ed Tibbetts who joins as regeneration programme director, he joined Orbit in September 2022 as land and new business director.
Larry Gold, Places for People
Places for People has announced the appointment of Larry Gold as CEO of Housing and Communities, commencing 1 June 2026.
Currently CEO of South Yorkshire Housing Association (SYHA), Gold will join PfP ahead of full integration of the two organisations following last year’s merger announcement.
Gold has more than 20 years’ experience in the housing sector having previously been CEO of Trafford Housing Trust, prior to that holding senior roles at Prime Focus Regeneration Group and Walsall Housing Group, alongside current sector leadership positions as chair of the South Yorkshire Housing Partnership, non-executive director at Arawak Walton Housing Association, and deputy chair at Rochdale Boroughwide Housing.
Gold said: “My priority is to make a difference from day one.”
PfP group CEO Greg Reed hailed the appointment, adding: “We are absolutely delighted to have Larry on board, and all the expertise and experience he brings. He is someone embedded in community and lives and breathes the ethos we at PfP hold dear.”
Two appointments, Breck Homes
Breck Homes has announced a senior hire and promotion to support its continued growth.
Phil Silcock has joined the company as contracts manager, bringing over 25 years’ experience in construction. For the last eight years he was at Anwyl Homes, most recently as area construction manager. He has also held managerial roles at Countryside and Seddon Homes.
Silcock said: “The company’s continued expansion will require experienced management across an increasing number of live sites and it’s an exciting team to join Breck and use my knowledge to support this.”
James Fairhurst has been promoted to land manager, following around two years as assistant land manager. Prior to joining Breck, he spent six years in a similar position at Conlon Living.
Fairhurst commented: “Breck has a growing pipeline of sites with 15 planning applications submitted in total last year. I’m looking forward to supporting this in my new role as the company expands its footprint across the North.”
Anton Chilton, Amethyst Homes
Amethyst Homes has appointed 38-year-old Anton Chilton as site manager for its Vallum Heights development in Newcastle upon Tyne.
He brings over 16 years of construction industry expertise to the role and previously worked for the regional division of a major national housebuilder. His diverse background also includes 18 months of service in the Royal Air Force and initial professional training as a physiotherapist. He is an avid runner who completed the Great North Run last year and is currently training for two ultra marathons later this year.
Chilton said: “My aim is building high quality homes while maintaining clear communication and fair management on site.”
Richard Bass, managing director at Amethyst Homes added: “It is great to bring Anton on board to lead the team at Vallum Heights. As a business built around the core principles of quality and customer service, Anton’s focus on high standards and fair management makes him the perfect fit to build on our current success in the region.”
Steve Northwood, LEICHT Contracts
LEICHT Contracts has appointed Steve Northwood as its new head of sales.
He has held a series of key senior sales positions within the construction and contract market over 18 years, including roles with global manufacturers of residential and commercial building products, and leading suppliers for UK developments.
Northwood said: “I am excited to make a difference with a great brand and business, which is already on track for a hugely successful year by establishing a strong project pipeline, alongside various contracted works in progress. Concentrating on London and the Home Counties, my aim is to nurture existing relationships, and exponentially grow fresh prospects and turnkey development opportunities across the new build and regeneration construction market.”
Northwood will be reporting to MD Matt Goddon, who said: “Steve will bring with him a unique skill set to our London design team, we cannot wait to start collaborating, building even stronger client connections, and ultimately sharing ideas from our experiences to develop and expand LEICHT Contracts and enhance the LEICHT brand.”
Emma Murray, Delancey
UK-focused investment, asset, and development manager Delancey has appointed Emma Murray as director, capital strategies.
In her new role, Murray will work across all the company’s capital strategies spanning both debt and equity, supporting existing mandates as well as new opportunities and separately managed accounts (SMAs).
She joins from Fiera Real Estate, where she served as Director of Business Development and Capital Raising since 2015. During her tenure, she was responsible for raising £2.1bn for both UK-only and pan-European strategies, managing institutional relationships including pensions funds, insurers, sovereign wealth funds, and consultants.
Murray said: “I’m thrilled to be joining at such an exciting time for the business, helping grow an already world-class client base.”
Stafford Lancaster, CEO of Delancey, said: “Emma’s experience and skill in developing and shaping fund strategies will be invaluable as we aim to build on our recent momentum and establish ourselves as a ‘one-stop shop’ for global investors wanting to access opportunities across UK real estate.”
Richard Myatt, Richborough
Richborough has appointed Richard Myatt as chief financial officer, bringing with him more than 30 years’ experience in senior finance roles, with a strong track record of supporting growth in complex, multi-site businesses.
Myatt is a Chartered Accountant who qualified with Ernst & Young. He has held senior positions including finance director at Jewson and SIG plc, and CFO at Palletways, National Timber Group and Sentry Fire Safety Group.
Myatt commented: “Richborough has built a strong reputation for delivering value through its land promotion model and demonstrated innovation in the sector. I’m particularly drawn to the entrepreneurial nature of the business and the opportunity to work closely with people across the organisation to understand what drives its success.”
Paul Campbell, chief executive at Richborough, added: “Richard’s appointment reflects our continued investment in senior talent to support our expanding portfolio and long-term growth strategy. His breadth of experience and people-focused approach to finance will be a valuable asset as we continue to scale the business.”
