We take our weekly look at appointments and promotions across the housebuilding industry and its supply chain.
Gareth Roberts, Vistry
Vistry has appointed Gareth Roberts as managing director for its Merseyside and Cheshire West region.
Roberts brings more than 25 years of industry experience to the role, with a strong finance background and senior leadership roles across both large PLC housebuilders and private equity ownership. Prior to joining Vistry, he spent 14 years with Taylor Wimpey, where he worked as financial director for the North West region. He has also held the positions of MD of Keepmoat Homes North West region, and more recently MD at Gleeson Developments, initially leading the Manchester and Merseyside regions and then also taking on responsibility for Cumbria.
Roberts said: “I am excited to be joining Vistry at such an important time for the business. Vistry has a clear purpose and a strong partnerships-led model, and I look forward to working with the team across the region to support sustainable growth and deliver well-connected neighbourhoods for local communities.”
Daniel Baines, Breck Homes
Breck Homes has appointed Daniel Baines as development designer in its Yorkshire team, based at the company’s Leeds office
Baines joins from NW Architects and brings more than 20 years of experience across the architecture and residential sectors. In his new role, he will focus on masterplanning development sites at planning and tender stage, alongside producing 3D models to support pre-construction activity.
Baines began his career after completing an architecture degree and has also gained experience managing furniture, fixtures and equipment installations.
He said: “Breck’s track record and growth plans in the affordable housing sector impressed me immensely and I think this is a great opportunity to develop in a young and growing company.”
Nigel Robson, regional managing director (Yorkshire) at Breck Homes, added: “Great design is central to creating high-quality homes and communities, and Daniel brings a strong architectural background, technical understanding and valuable experience across a range of development sectors.”
Garry Skinner, Wren Contracts
Wren Contracts has announced the promotion of Garry Skinner to head of sales projects, reinforcing the company’s commitment to delivering a market-leading end-to-end service for the property development and social housing sectors.
Skinner brings more than 20 years of experience in the kitchen and interiors sector to the role, having built an extensive career with major brands including Paula Rosa Manhattan, Alno, B&Q and Jewson. He joined Wren Contracts more than three years ago as head of contract sales North.
Commenting on his promotion, Skinner said: “Having worked in the industry for more than 20 years, I’ve been fortunate to gain experience across a number of leading businesses. Joining Wren Contracts has enabled me to combine that knowledge with the strength of one of the UK’s largest privately owned manufacturers. I’m looking forward to helping drive the next phase of growth for the business.”
Two appointments, Gateley Legal
Gateley Legal has strengthened its specialist residential development team in Manchester with the appointments of partner Billy Poulter and associate Shay Moore.
Poulter (pictured right) brings more than 13 years of residential development and regeneration experience to the team, having previously held roles with Clarke Willmott, DAC Beachcroft and Trowers & Hamlins.
Moore (pictured left) joins the company as an associate, following roles with Clarke Willmott and Butcher & Barlow. He brings more than five years’ experience to the team, advising housebuilders on a wide range of residential development matters.
Poulter and Moore will work closely alongside partners Dan Kendall, Louise Ilhan and Nick Molloy, as well as the wider team, as Gateley Legal continues to develop and expand its offering for the North West residential development market.
Dan Kendall (pictured centre), residential development partner at Gateley Legal, commented on the appointments: “They are high calibre hires with excellent reputations, and will make brilliant additions to our team, enhancing our support for housebuilder and developer clients.”
Tim Robinson, Knight Frank
Knight Frank has announced that, following a formal election process, Tim Robinson will succeed Stephen Clifton as UK managing partner in April 2027.
Robinson has been at Knight Frank for over 30 years, building a strong track record of commercial leadership and transformation. As head of commercial, he has led the business through challenging market conditions and in his new position will oversee its Residential and Commercial operations in some 79 offices nationwide. He will also become chair of the UK board and remains a member of the group executive board.
William Beardmore-Gray, senior partner and group chair of Knight Frank, said: “Tim combines deep experience, strong leadership and an unwavering commitment to Knight Frank’s values and culture. He is exceptionally well placed to lead our UK business through its next chapter.”
Robinson commented: “I am incredibly proud to have been elected as the firm’s next UK managing partner.”
Christopher East, Sigma Homes Group
Sigma Homes Group has appointed Christopher East as managing director, marking the next chapter in the company’s evolution as a specialist land and planning business.
The appointment follows the retirement of founder Geoff Potton, who established Sigma Homes in 2013 and led the business through more than a decade of growth, delivering 20 developments comprising nearly 300 homes across Surrey and Sussex.
East brings over 35 years of experience in land acquisition, housing delivery for both PLC and SME housebuilders, planning strategy and strategic land promotion.
East commented: “Geoff has built Sigma into a highly regarded business over the past decade, delivering thoughtfully designed homes in quality locations and establishing long-lasting relationships with customers and professional partners. As Sigma pivots to focus on our already well-established strategic land promotion business, we look forward to building upon those relationships and delivering quality and sustainable residential schemes for our landowner clients.”
