Croudace appoints new group chief executive

June 1, 2023

Croudace Homes Group, the Caterham-based privately owned housebuilder, has announced the retirement of its Group Chief Executive, Russell Denness, who held the top position for 9 years. Russell left the company at the end of May and is succeeded by Adrian Watts, who held the position of Group Deputy Chief Executive since May 2022.

Russell said, “I have enjoyed a hugely rewarding and enjoyable career with Croudace. I believe I am leaving behind a first-class team of people, a highly capable and experienced senior executive team, led by a skilled, enthusiastic and determined new Group Chief Executive, Adrian Watts. Whatever the challenges facing the business in the coming years, I have great faith that they will be overcome and that the Croudace success story will continue”. Adrian Watts joined Croudace in 2019 as Managing Director of the North Thames region. He holds a Master of Sciences and a Master of Laws and is a Chartered Surveyor. Adrian has a wealth of experience gained over 34 years in the industry and had progressed to director level in major housebuilding companies, before joining Croudace. He possesses a detailed knowledge of residential developments and construction management.

On his appointment, Adrian commented, “I am excited about this next stage in Croudace’s long history. Despite the recent political and economic turmoil, the housing market has stabilised, with inflation and interest rates set to subside over the next 12-18 months. Underpinning all of that, there is a fundamental shortage of housing in the UK and, thanks to Russell’s leadership, we have in place the land, finances and people to meet the challenges and opportunities this brings. Croudace has established an enviable reputation for the quality of its homes and the service it provides to its customers and these will remain key objectives for the Group.”

Croudace Homes also announces the appointment of Karly Williams as Managing Director of its North Thames regional office, based in Letchworth. Karly has over 20 years’ of experience in the housebuilding sector, most recently as Operations Director for Barratts, London. She holds a degree in Business Management from the University of Hertford, and in the early stages of her career headed up sales and customer service functions. More latterly, she has been responsible for commercial, technical and construction operations. Karly Williams joins Croudace on 5 June.

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