Former chief executive of David Wilson Homes will take control of the South West and Midlands division

Galliford Try has appointed the former chief executive of David Wilson Homes, Greg Locke, as divisional managing director of housebuilding in the South West and Midlands.

Greg Locke became chief executive of David Wilson Homes in 2006, but left following the £2.2bn purchase of parent company Wilson Bowden by Barratt in 2007.

Galliford Try said the appointment was an important part of the firm’s plan to expand its housebuilding division by 25% in 2010. Locke will join on July 1.

Seen as an ally of Redrow chief executive Steve Morgan, Locke spent ten years at Redrow before joining David Wilson, and worked again with Morgan as chief executive of Morgan’s property vehicle Bridgemere in 2008.

Ian Baker, Group Managing Director for Housebuilding at Galliford Try Homes, said: “Greg brings with him extensive experience of working at the highest level within the home building sector, including over ten years with Redrow, where he held the position of a PLC Director and Southern Regional Chairman. His appointment highlights Galliford Try Homes continued commitment to strongly developing its housebuilding division this year.

Galliford Try reaffirmed it was on target to increase housebuilding output to 3,500 units per year by 2013.