Chief executive James Thomson to take over at end of year

MJ Gleeson chief executive James Thomson is to take over from Dermot Gleeson as chair of the board at the end of this year. 

Dermot Gleeson, the great nephew of Michael Gleeson, the founder of the business, has been on the low-cost homebuilder’s board for 47 years and has been chair for 28 years. 

Thomson was invited to be chair after an “exhaustive” search process and will remain CEO of the company until 31 December. 

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Dermot Gleeson has been on the board since 1975

Graham Prothero, currently chief operating officer at Vistry Group, wil take over as chief executive at the £288m turnover Gleeson at the beginning of next year. 

Gleeson, a former chair of the Major Contractors Group and board member of the Housing Corporation, said he would be “leaving the business in good shape and in good hands”.  

He added: “I am extremely proud of what has been achieved by the wider Gleeson team throughout my time as chair.”

The firm is also looking for a non-executive director and the board expects to make an appointment before the end of the year.

It will issue its next trading update on the morning of its AGM on 18 November.