Chris Rickard, Taylor Wimpey’s new finance director, is stepping into the breach, but his new employer hopes it won’t be literally.


Chris Rickard, Taylor Wimpey’s new finance director
Chris Rickard

Taylor Wimpey’s new finance director


A breach of banking covenants on its £1.7bn debt is the outcome it is working furiously to avoid.

In the 51-year old Rickard, the housebuilder may have recruited someone with the financial skills to help avoid such an Armageddon scenario.

One source familiar with his CV said: “He has significant experience of the banking and capital markets and is well equipped to deal with the challenges at Taylor Wimpey. This was the catalyst the talks had been waiting for.”

According to other sources, he thought long and hard about taking the job and did his own meticulous due diligence.

But some analysts who know him from his days at engineering outfits Meggitt, VT Group and Weir have questioned if he’ll enjoy the intense public scrutiny of the job.

One said: “He’s got excellent technical knowledge but he can come across a bit quiet and defensive. The spotlight may be uncomfortable for him.”

It certainly won’t be if he helps to get the refinancing deal done.