Galliford Try picks new CEO amid senior shake-up

Galliford Try has recruited a new chief executive, Peter Truscott (pictured), from housebuilder Taylor Wimpey.

Truscott - currently divisional chairman for the South at Taylor Wimpey - will become chief executive of Galliford Try on 1 October 2015, taking over from Greg Fitzgerald.

Fitzgerald, currently executive chairman, will step back to become non-executive chairman from 1 January 2016, before planning to retire from the board in November 2017.

The change was announced as part of a wider shake-up of the management team at Galliford Try.

Ken Gillespie, chief executive of Galliford Try’s construction division, has been promoted to group chief operating officer, but will retain his role leading the construction division alongside his additional group responsibilities.

Galliford Try has also appointed two new people to its board, Peter Ventress, who joins as deputy chairman and senior independent non-executive director, and Gavin Slark, as non-executive director.

Ventress - currently chief executive of textile business Berendsen - will take over from Fitzgerald as non-executive chairman in November 2017 when Fitzgerald retires from the board.

Slark - currently chief executive of builders merchant Grafton Group - will join the board from 13 May 2015.

Peter Rogers retires from the Galliford Try board.

Fitzgerald, named chief executive of the year at the 2015 Building Awards earlier this month, said: “The Group has moved quickly to secure Peter Truscott as the new Chief Executive whilst further strengthening the Board with the appointments of Peter Ventress and Gavin Slark.

“I am very grateful to Peter Rogers for his significant contribution to Galliford Try over the last seven years. We have an excellent executive team, and a strong Board with a broad range of experience and skills.  I am confident that the Group will move forward to build on our achievements to date and deliver our strategy of disciplined growth.”