White, previously the firm’s group financial controller, replaces Neil Cooper, who left in January this year.

Barratt has announced that Jessica White is to become its chief financial officer and will join the housebuilder’s executive board.

White, currently the firm’s group financial controller, replaces Neil Cooper, who left in January this year, after being appointed only 18 months earlier.

She has extensive experience in the sector, Barratt said, having joined Wilson Bowden as a corporate accountant in 2005.

She was appointed head of financial accounting at Barratt after it took over Wilson Bowden in 2007 and was promoted to the position of group financial controller in 2010.  

John Allan, Barratt’s chairman, said: “Jessica has more than a decade of experience in the housebuilding industry, and has been integral to Barratt’s financial and operational progress.

“We are delighted to appoint her as chief financial officer and believe she has the skills, experience and track record to help drive the future success of the company.”