We take our weekly look at appointments and promotions across the housebuilding industry and its supply chain.
Mel Booth, Langstane Housing Association
Langstane Housing Association has appointed Mel Booth as its new director of housing and communities, from 23rd November 2026.
Booth brings over 15 years’ experience working in housing across several Scottish local authorities. She currently manages the Housing Strategy team at Aberdeen City Council, leading the delivery of the affordable housing supply programme.
She said: “I am delighted to be joining Langstane at such an exciting time for the association. With its 50th anniversary approaching, there is a fantastic opportunity to build on its achievements and help shape the next chapter. I am passionate about the difference that good quality, affordable housing can make to people’s lives, and about ensuring homes and services respond to people’s changing needs.”
Anne Jenkins, chief executive of Langstane Housing Association, said: “We are delighted to welcome Mel to Langstane. Her housing experience, strategic knowledge and understanding of the importance of delivering new housing supply will be a valuable addition to our leadership team.”
Jessica Walker, HarperCrewe
HarperCrewe has welcomed Jessica Walker as its new head of brand and marketing.
She joins from MEDDICC, a global software and media business, where she rose from marketing manager to head of marketing as the company grew from a four person start up to a 50 person global business. Prior to that, Walker spent four years at Avant Homes, progressing from marketing assistant to group marketing manager.
Walker said: “Buying a home is one of life’s biggest moments, and I wanted to join a business that’s genuinely rethinking that experience. HarperCrewe’s Technology with Soul marketing philosophy really resonated with me. Embracing AI and innovation to make buying, connecting with and managing your home simpler, without losing the human touch.
“Combined with a commitment to sustainability, customer-led innovation and initiatives like I AM Crewe, bringing together people and partners who share our values, it’s an exciting opportunity to help shape the future of housebuilding.”
Nick Lynch, Knight Frank
Knight Frank has appointed Nick Lynch as partner, head of group strategy and executive office, to work closely with the senior partner & group chair William Beardmore-Gray, as well as colleagues across the business.
Lynch joins Knight Frank with more than 20 years’ experience advising businesses and boards on strategy, transformation and organisational leadership. This includes senior roles at Telefónica O2, Bain & Company, Goldman Sachs and Deloitte. His most recent position was leading group corporate strategy and development at BT Group.
Lynch said: “Knight Frank is an incredible brand backed by a strong business with clear opportunities for future growth. I’m excited to be joining at what feels like a pivotal time and look forward to working closely with colleagues across the firm to shape our strategic direction and help turn our ambitions into tangible results.”
Beardmore-Gray said of Lynch: “His collaborative approach and strategic perspective will be invaluable in helping us to sharpen our priorities. We are delighted to welcome him to the partnership.”
Alex Kensit, Beresfords
Beresfords Group has appointed Alex Kensit as land consultant, expanding the Land division across Essex and the South East which is led by land director Fraser Allen.
Since joining, Kensit has identified more than 140 previously rejected or overlooked development opportunities, including sites with the potential to accommodate more than 300 homes.
Kensit said: “My role is about looking at land with fresh eyes, understanding the planning position and working with landowners to establish what might be possible.
“Just as importantly, I want to be open, honest and transparent about viability, helping landowners understand both the opportunities and the challenges before deciding on the best way forward.”
Allen commented: “Alex has already made a positive impact, identifying potential development opportunities that had previously been rejected or overlooked. This demonstrates the importance of continually reassessing land as planning policy evolves and circumstances change.”
Two appointments, Ecological Building Systems
Ecological Building Systems has made two appointments – Samantha Legget as head of marketing and Ronan Kirwan FCCA as financial controller for the UK and Ireland.
Legget brings more than 20 years’ marketing experience across a wide range of sectors, with a career spanning strategic consultancy and senior in-house roles, including 360 Growth Partners, Connect Physical Health and outdoor brand Craghoppers. She has worked with Ecological Building Systems as a strategic marketing advisor.
Legget said: “This role gives me the opportunity to combine something I love, marketing, with work that can have a positive impact on people and the planet.”
Kirwan is a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants and joins the company with some 30 years’ experience in finance. He has held senior finance and leadership positions with international businesses including Oracle, Opera Mediaworks and Hiab.
Kirwan said: “I am looking forward to helping the business grow to its full potential and see it achieve even greater success in the future.”
