New team at Galliford Try

UK housebuilding and construction group Galliford Try has announced that Peter Truscott will take over as chief executive from 1 October.

Truscott is currently divisional chairman, south, at Taylor Wimpey, and a member of the group management team.

He joined George Wimpey in 1984 and worked at CALA Homes from 1993 to 1996, before re-joining Wimpey where he held a succession of senior management positions.

Peter Ventress has been appointed deputy chairman and senior independent non-executive director of Galliford Try, while Gavin Slark will become a non-executive director from 13 May.

Ventress is currently CEO of textile services business Berendsen, while Slark is CEO of building materials company Grafton Group. Both Ventress and Slark will become members of the audit, nomination and remuneration committees from their appointment.

As planned, on Ventress’ appointment as deputy chairman, Peter Rogers is retiring from the board.

Galliford Try said these announcements marked the conclusion of the process to appoint a successor to Greg Fitzgerald as chief executive of the company, and to implement related changes to the board.

Fitzgerald will become non-executive chairman on 1 January, 2016, until the AGM in November 2017, when Peter Ventress will become chairman.

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.”

In addition to these appointments, Ken Gillespie is being promoted to COO, as well as his role as construction division chief executive.