Henry Boot has announced that its chief executive officer Tim Roberts will step down from the board later this year after six years in the role.
Edward Hutchinson, interim managing director of Stonebridge Homes, has been appointed as Roberts’s successor and he will work closely with Roberts to provide a comprehensive handover and enable a smooth transition.
Roberts joined Henry Boot in 2020 and during his tenure he has modernised the business, establishing and then developing the executive committee as a strategic leadership team.
He has driven the simplification of the group’s strategy through the phased acquisition of Stonebridge Homes, the disposal of Henry Boot Construction and the recent head office move to Sheffield city centre.
Hutchison joined the group’s development business, HBD, in 2004, becoming a director in 2012 and managing director in 2018. He has been a member of Henry Boot’s executive committee for the past six years and more recently assumed the role of interim MD of Stonebridge Homes, leading its integration into the group.
Peter Mawson, chair of Henry Boot, said: “On behalf of the board, I would like to thank Tim for his hard work and stewardship. During the last six years, Tim has led the business through unprecedented challenges and macro economic uncertainty, and delivered significant strategic and operational change. We wish him all the very best in his retirement from his executive career. I am delighted to welcome Ed as the next CEO, and pleased that we have been able to appoint an internal candidate as a result of our robust approach to talent management and ongoing succession planning.”
Roberts (pictured) added: “Henry Boot is a special business, with great people and great assets. Whilst the last six years or so have seen a period of geopolitical and economic uncertainty, it has been a pleasure working with all my colleagues in modernising, and providing strategic focus for, the business. Now is the right time for a leadership transition and I will work with Ed to ensure a smooth handover and wish him and the company every success for the future.”
Hutchinson said: “I am absolutely delighted to be announced as the new CEO. Henry Boot has a long and rich history and it is a privilege to lead the business into its next chapter. The company has dedicated and passionate people and I have every confidence that, together, we can drive success for this great business and our customers, alongside delivering excellent returns for our shareholders.”
