Sheffield-based affordable house builder MJ Gleeson plc has announced that Graham Prothero, currently chief operating officer of Vistry Group, will succeed James Thomson as CEO of Gleeson on January 1, 2023.

Thomson will remain on the Gleeson board as a non-executive director.

MJ Gleeson as two businesses — building low-cost homes in the North of England and the Midlands, and land promotion in the South of England. 

“In 2019 the board appointed James Thomson as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) with a remit to implement the cultural and structural changes needed to ensure that the company delivered its strategic objectives over the medium term,” said Gleeson.

“Having successfully delivered those changes, James now wishes to stand down as CEO and will do so with effect from 31 December 2022.

“Following a wide-ranging search process, involving both internal and external candidates, the board is delighted to announce that Graham Prothero, currently Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Vistry Group PLC, will join the board as CEO, with effect from 1 January 2023 …

“Graham joined the board of Vistry and was appointed COO in January 2020 following the acquisition by Bovis Homes Group PLC of Galliford Try’s housing businesses.

“He was formerly chief executive of Galliford Try Plc from 2019, having previously served as finance director since 2013.

“From 2008 to 2013, he was finance director of Development Securities plc (subsequently U+I Group plc).

“He is senior independent director and chair of the audit committee of Marshalls plc as well as a Trustee and vice chair of the Jigsaw Trust.”

Gleeson chairman Dermot Gleeson said: “We are delighted to have secured Graham Prothero as the group’s next CEO.

“His outstanding track record and experience in housebuilding make him the ideal choice to lead the group in the next phase of its development.

“I am also delighted that James has agreed to remain on the board as a non-executive director, where we will continue to benefit from his knowledge of the company and industry.”

Thomson said: “We have achieved much over the last three years, during which time I have been supported by a strong and talented team of colleagues.

“Gleeson is now even better-placed to deliver the quality low-cost homes our country urgently needs.

“I am delighted to have been asked to remain on the board when I step down as CEO at the end of the year and, in the meantime, remain fully focused on delivering the results for the current financial year and ensuring that the business continues to perform into 2023.”

Prothero said: “I am very much looking forward to taking up my new role at MJ Gleeson.

“I have watched the company’s progress over the years and long admired the delivery of its focused strategy.

“It is rare to find a business that genuinely enhances people’s well-being in the way that Gleeson does.”