As part of a major boardroom shuffled, Peter Truscott takes over as chief executive on 1st October 2015. Executive chairman Greg Fitzgerald will step aside to become non-executive chairman.
Peter Truscott is currently divisional chairman, south at Taylor Wimpey and a member of its group management team. He joined George Wimpey in 1984 and worked at Cala Homes from 1993 to 1996 before re-joining Wimpey.
Galliford Try has also given construction division chief executive Ken Gillespie an expanded role, becoming group chief operating officer as well as continuing to lead the construction division.
Two new non-executive directors are also joining the Galliford Try board, Peter Ventress and Gavin Slark, while deputy chairman Peter Rogers retires.
Peter Ventress, appointed deputy chairman and senior independent non-executive director, is currently chief executive of Berendsen, a commercial laundry business (perhaps heralding a move towards support services for Galliford Try). Gavin Slark is chief executive of builders’ merchant group Grafton, parent company of Selco, Plumbase and Buildbase, among numerous other brands.
Terry Miller, chair of the nomination committee, said: "I am pleased that Peter Truscott has agreed to join Galliford Try as chief executive. Peter brings great knowledge and experience of our industry and the board has every confidence in his ability to continue the strategy for disciplined growth that has already started delivering for shareholders.Â
“With the appointment of Peter Ventress and Gavin Slark, the board brings together a good blend of fresh experience and ideas to complement an existing team who have worked together to develop the successful growth strategy."
Executive chairman Greg Fitzgerald said: "The group has moved quickly to secure Peter Truscott as the new chief executive whilst further strengthening the board with the appointments of Peter Ventress and Gavin Slark. I am very grateful to Peter Rogers for his significant contribution to Galliford Try over the last seven years. We have an excellent executive team, and a strong board with a broad range of experience and skills. I am confident that the group will move forward to build on our achievements to date and deliver our strategy of disciplined growth."
New deputy chairman Peter Ventress said: "I join Galliford Try at an exciting stage in its development. Greg has made an immense contribution to the group's success and we are delighted that his experience will continue to be available to us as Peter Truscott takes on the role of chief executive and leads the group onto even greater success. The group is in an excellent financial position with a clear growth strategy."
Peter Rogers, retiring deputy chairman and senior independent director, said: "With the appointment of a new chief executive and new non-executive directors it is an appropriate time for me to stand down from the board of Galliford Try."
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