| 19 July 2023 |
Watkin Jones plc
(‘Watkin Jones’ or the ‘Group’)
Board Change
Watkin Jones today announces that Richard Simpson has stepped down from his role as Chief Executive Officer. The Board has asked Alex Pease, the Group’s Chief Investment Officer, to take on the role of Interim Chief Executive, with effect from 19 July 2023, whilst a formal process is undertaken to confirm a permanent CEO appointment. During this period, Alex, who has led the Watkin Jones’ investment activities since 2013 and joined the Board in 2022, will head the Group executive team working closely with Sarah Sergeant, Chief Financial Officer.
Alan Giddins, Chair of Watkin Jones, said: “On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Richard for his contribution to the Group over the last five years and in particular his leadership of the business through the challenges of the COVID pandemic.
“Alex has been a key member of the Group’s executive leadership team for the last 10 years and was most recently appointed to the Board as Group Chief Investment Officer. In taking on the role of Interim CEO, Alex provides both continuity, in what remains a very challenging backdrop for the sector, as well as significant experience in the residential for rent market which the Board believes will help enable the Group to regain momentum ahead of market conditions improving.”
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