Newcastle-based house building giant Bellway said on Friday that former Redrow CEO John Tutte will join its board as non-executive chairman designate on March 1, 2022. 

Tutte will succeed Paul Hampden Smith, who will retire on April 1, 2022.

“John brings extensive leadership skills and over 40 years of housebuilding experience, principally through various senior roles at Redrow plc, including group chief executive, executive chairman and then non-executive chairman, prior to him retiring from the board in 2021,” said Bellway.

“John is also a non-executive director of the Home Builders Federation and until 2020 he was also chairman of the Home Building Skills Partnership.”

Bellway senior independent director Denise Jagger said: “Following a very thorough search and selection process, the board is delighted to appoint someone of John’s calibre and sector experience as Bellway’s next chairman. 

“John will lead the board as Bellway continues to deliver its long-term growth strategy and I am sure that he will make a significant contribution to the ongoing and future success of the group.

“The board would also like to thank Paul Hampden Smith for the excellent contribution he has made to Bellway over the course of his tenure.

“In particular, he has led the board during the challenging circumstances presented by the Covid-19 pandemic, during which time the group has maintained its focus on quality and its strategy to increase housing output over the longer-term.

“We wish him well for the future.”

Tutte said: “I am delighted to be joining Bellway which has such a focus on quality, a responsible approach to business and strong foundations to maintain its impressive track record of sustainable volume growth.

“I am looking forward to working with the Board as it continues to ensure the ongoing and long-term success of Bellway and its stakeholders.”