We take our weekly look at appointments and promotions across the housebuilding industry and its supply chain.
Amanda Keenan, Turnberry Homes
Having joined the housebuilder as commercial manager at the end of 2023, Turnberry Homes has appointed Amanda Keenan as commercial director.
She brings with her over 20 years of experience in the housing sector, having worked for major developers including Cala Homes and Persimmon.
Amanda Keenan said: “Turnberry’s exciting pipeline of projects and focus on quality is what attracted me, as well as the company’s strong sense of community. I’m thrilled to be part of the team driving future growth, being able to introduce new ways of working and adding real value.”
Elaine Mooney, director at Turnberry Homes, added: “Amanda has vast expertise in contract procurement and value engineering, which will be key to driving the company’s future. As we continue to build outstanding homes across the west of Scotland, Amanda’s insight and leadership will be vital in ensuring we maintain the high standards we are known for.”
Katie Macfie, Sigma Homes
Sigma Homes has announced the promotion of Katie Macfie to sales & marketing director, as she takes over the helm from Susan Joseph.
After joining Sigma Homes in 2018, when the company was in its infancy, her role in the sales and marketing department significantly evolved along with the business’s growth. Macfie boasts a strong background in sales and marketing, having previously worked for several prestigious estate agents including Strutt & Parker, Henry Adams and GL & Co.
Reflecting on her promotion, Katie said: “My biggest focus will be to drive sales for the exciting portfolio of developments we have, utilising and maximising our digital marketing platforms ensuring our sustainable ethos message is strong in these environment-conscious times.”
Geoff Potton, group chief executive, stated: ‘’Katie has made a considerable contribution to the growth of the business and her hard work, commitment, and dedication are justly rewarded by this important promotion.”
Julian Roper, Persimmon Homes
Persimmon Homes has promoted Julian Roper to the role of chair of its South West division, taking over from Liam Scott, who has been promoted to deputy UK managing director and UK director of Charles Church. Both take up their new roles in January 2025.
Roper’s most recent position was regional managing director of the region, having served as managing director of its Wessex business since 2020. His career began as an apprentice carpenter with Beazer Homes and progressed to contracts manager, before joining Persimmon prior to the Beazer acquisition.
He has a long history with Persimmon having served as the head of construction and then construction director for the Wessex region prior to becoming its MD.
Commenting on his new role, Roper said: “I am so thankful to the Persimmon team for placing their faith in me with this role and I’m eager to apply my experience to drive further growth and operational excellence for the division.”
Jessica Herman, Caddick
Caddick has recently appointed Jessica Herman in a newly created position – head of ESG and sustainability – to deliver the company’s ESG strategy, ‘Places for Life’, across all divisions of the multi-sector business.
She joins Caddick from sustainability consultancy JustOne UK, where she was associate sustainability director and brings over eight years of sustainability and real estate experience to the role. Previous positions being senior sustainability advisor at JLL.
Myles Hartley, MD and ESG lead at Caddick, said: “We’re delighted to have Jessica join our team and lead our ESG agenda towards our goals for 2025 and beyond. With her expertise and broad experience, Jessica will be able to lead our ESG ambitions brilliantly.”
Jessica Herman added: “I’m thrilled to be joining the Caddick team during this exciting time of growth and innovation across the business. I’m looking forward to leading our ESG ambitions as part of the inclusive and progressive Caddick workforce.”
Phillippa Prongué, Wates Group
Wates has announced Phillippa Prongué as the new executive managing director of its growing Residential business. She will take up the position in the new year, taking over from Helen Bunch, who is retiring after an esteemed 19-year career at Wates.
Prongué brings decades of experience from the real estate sector, and joins from Bouygues UK where she was managing director for London and the South East.
Phillippa Prongué said: “It’s an exciting time to be joining the Residential business at Wates. It has already seen immense growth under Helen’s direction. I look forward to joining a team of talented people whose expertise, ingenuity, and diligence has resulted in an exceptional business with a clear purpose, culture, and ambition.”
Eoghan O’Lionaird, chief executive at Wates Group, said of Prongué: “Her expertise and knowledge will support us in driving forward our strategy, building on existing partnerships, and realising new opportunities for residential development across the UK.”
Anup Maru, Allison Homes
As it undergoes a significant transformation to support its ambitious goal of delivering 2,000 homes annually by 2027, Allison Homes recently promoted Anup Maru to the position of group head of business systems.
He joined Allison Homes in March 2023 as COINS system manager – commercial, and brings valuable experience to his new role. He has played a crucial role in transitioning Allison Homes’ COINS [Construction Industry Solutions] team into a newly formed business systems department.
He explained: “Previously, I was with COINS for eight years. I progressed from a support analyst to a business intelligence consultant, and then a software consultant specialising in the implementation of CVRs for various home builders.”
Shelbey Thomson, Gleeson Homes
Gleeson Homes has announced the appointment of Shelbey Thomson as its first group environmental manager.
Thomson has completed studies at undergraduate and post-graduate levels and joins from ABP Food Group, where she completed their environmental and sustainability graduate programme. Operationally, she was involved in environmental permitting and monitoring along with the implementation, auditing, and continual improvement of ISO 14001 Environmental Management Systems.
Matt Gibb, group sustainability manager, commented: “Shelbey’s previous experience and passion makes her the perfect fit for this role, and I have no doubt she will make a positive impact here at Gleeson.”
Shelbey Thomson said: “I am excited to have been appointed as group environmental manager at Gleeson. The group has a very clear direction, and its social purpose is central to everything it does. I am looking forward to contributing to Gleeson’s sustainability story and strategy.”
Two appointments, Watkin Jones
Watkin Jones has made two internal appointments to its executive team – Gwyn Pritchard, who is managing director – construction and Michael Bunyan, group development project & cost director.
Joining Watkin Jones as an engineering trainee in 1997, Pritchard progressed as a graduate through to regional director in the Homes division, then managing director. He remarked: “It is a privilege to lead our construction teams as we continue to deliver high-quality projects that set new benchmarks in the industry.”
Bunyan joined Watkin Jones from iQ Student Accommodation to head up its development, project and cost management. He has held previous roles at K2 Consultancy and Capita. He commented: “I am excited to take a position where I can build on the progression to date and focus more to the strategic direction of Watkin Jones.”
Alex Pease, the company’s CEO, said: “Their appointments are a testament to their outstanding contributions, deep expertise, and unwavering commitment to our growth and success.”
Phil Hughes, Paragon Bank
Paragon Bank’s SME Lending division has appointed Phil Hughes to the newly created role of deputy managing director of SME Lending.
He will assume the role alongside his existing position of MD of Idem Capital, which is also part of Paragon Banking Group.
With over 25 years in financial services, Hughes brings with him a wealth of experience and will be working with John Phillipou, MD of SME Lending. He joined Paragon in 2013 and was previously CEO of Equidebt, sales & marketing director of Close Credit Management and business development director of Britannic Assurance.
Phil Hughes commented: “I’m looking forward to working with John and the wider team to continue to deliver high-quality service and funding solutions for our customers and intermediaries.”
John Phillipou said of Hughes: “He’s going to be an integral part of our success over the next few years as we continue our journey of growth.”
Mark Dauncey, Richborough
Richborough has appointed Chartered town planner Mark Dauncey to its growing team to the role of planning director for its East division.
With 20 years of housing and mixed-use industry experience, the accredited RTPI member brings a wealth of knowledge to Richborough following senior positions at Stantec, Amos Group and Pegasus Group.
Dauncey will oversee planning activity for the region’s portfolio working alongside regional director Anabel Christmas, regional manager Andrew Miekle, and land and planning manager Briony Stenhouse.
Of Richborough he said: “I’ve long admired their innovative approach to land promotion. It’s an exciting time to join the firm.”
Regional director Anabel Christmas added: “Mark’s expertise will greatly assist our team to ensure we bring forward sustainable and sensible site proposals that benefit their local communities, whilst still helping to meet these ambitious targets.”
Nigel Robson, Keepmoat
Keepmoat has announced the appointment of Nigel Robson as land and partnerships director of its Yorkshire West region.
He joins the team from MCI Developments and brings more than 30 years of industry experience to his new role.
Commenting on his appointment, Robson said: “I am thrilled to join Keepmoat Yorkshire West after leading on operations at MCI Developments. I am excited to join the team to secure and deliver partnership-led opportunities to fulfil the master land pipeline and strategic plan. I am eager to continue contributing to its vision of building communities and transforming lives.’’
Regional MD Chris Clingo added: “I’m delighted to see Nigel join the team and I look forward to seeing him further strengthen our land process and approach whilst supporting the growth of our area and team. His wealth of experience will be instrumental in helping us to build on our success.”
