LRG’s former CFO appointed non-executive director of Charters

Michael Palmer, formerly chief financial officer (CFO) of Leaders Romans Group (LRG), has been appointed non-executive director of Charters.

Palmer joined The Romans Group in 2010 helping to drive a period of rapid growth and  the successful merger with Leaders in 2016.

The newly formed LRG brand continued its expansion acquiring more than 100 businesses in the decade to 2020.

Palmer said: “I am delighted to join board of Charters to assist them in their next phase of rapid growth, it reminds me when I began working at Romans. I am looking forward to the future here.”

Charters chairman, Robert Mott, commented, “Michael’s wealth of experience, notably in acquisitions, private equity, process and reporting, will bring welcome support for Charters’ own growth trajectory in its next period of exponential growth and acquisition. We are delighted to welcome Michael aboard.”

Holly Harris joins Knight Frank as an associate 

Knight Frank has expanded its project & building consultancy team with the appointment of Holly Harris as an associate leading on party wall and neighbourly matters.

In her new role, Harris will be responsible for advising clients on all party wall related matters including issues relating to boundary ownership and assisting in the efficient and effective development and management of urban sites through party wall surveying and adjoining owner representation.

Harris will work closely with Charles Ingram Evans, head of project & building consultancy at Knight Frank, to advise developers and asset owners on a range of issues related to boundaries between urban developments.

Harris has 13 years’ experience in party wall matters and building surveying, joining Knight Frank from The Goldsmith Partnership, where she worked as an Associate Director specialising in party wall issues for clients in both commercial and high-end residential. Prior to this, she worked in building consultancy at JLL and in the party wall team at Anstey Horne.

Ingram Evans commented: “Holly’s appointment further broadens and deepens the expertise within our growing Project & Building Consultancy team. Her experience will be invaluable in advising clients on boundary disputes and neighbourly matters, adding to our capacity to provide strategic advice to clients throughout the whole asset lifecycle. We’re excited to be welcoming her to the business.”

Homes for Scotland appoints new chief executive

Jane Wood has been appointed as the new chief executive for Homes for Scotland (HFS).

Wood joins HFS from BT where she was Group UK nations and regions director and a member of the BT Scotland board, responsible for managing relationships with public bodies, politicians and other key stakeholders on strategic business areas including climate change, skills, SMEs, infrastructure and public policy affairs.

In the 12 years prior to this, Wood was CEO in Scotland and then UK executive director for the membership organisation Business in the Community, which helps members improve their responsible business practices.

Having also been head of corporate affairs for Scotland and Northern Ireland for the Walgreens Boots Alliance, Wood has championed inclusive growth and worked to create policies and business relationships which deliver both economic and sustainable outcomes throughout her career. She has extensive experience working across complex regulatory issues and within central, devolved and local governments.

HFS chair Ken Gillespie said: “Jane’s track record as an established and experienced leader will drive forward our solutions-focused, evidence-based approach to realising our strategic aim of delivering more homes across Scotland.

“With a shortfall in housing completions now approaching 100,000 homes since 2008, we still aren’t building enough to meet the needs of our population and we must prioritise practical solutions to the barriers that are preventing this.”

In a seamless transition, Jane succeeds Nicola Barclay, who is stepping down after six years in the role as Chief Executive.

Wood commented: “It will be a privilege to lead a highly respected organisation representing such a key sector in Scotland. Not only does the housing sector have a crucial economic role to play, it also brings vital broader benefits to Scotland’s social wellbeing, such as improved health and education outcomes, through the delivery of high quality and sustainable homes for all.

“I am looking forward to working with the team and members to address the many challenges and changes facing those who deliver the new homes of all tenures that the people of Scotland need.”