Former Taylor Wimpey London and South East managing director, Phillip Lyons, is taking over as chief executive of the house building division at Countryside.

Lyons, who brings over 30 years’ industry experience, will join the group executive committee.

Current house building operation chief executive Graham Cherry will now move to the partnerships business following the decision by his younger brother Richard to retire from the business after 35 years.

Graham will run the southern division of the Partnerships arm while still retaining his current seat on the executive committee. Previous incumbent Matthew Higgs is stepping down for health reasons.

His Partnerships business counterpart in the North, Ian Kelley will also now join the executive committee. 

Group chief executive, Ian Sutcliffe, said: “Richard has played a pivotal role in building Countryside into the business it is today, in particular helping establish Countryside as the leading urban regeneration partner.

“I am also delighted to welcome Phillip Lyons to the company. Securing Phillip’s experience, skills and industry knowledge built over a 30 year career in the sector, positions us well to maintain our strong growth trajectory in Housebuilding. I look forward to working with him over the years to come.”

Richard Cherry will step down on 2 May and assume the role of group new business director until he leaves the company at the end of September.