Galliford Try plc, the house-building and construction group, has announced several executive and non-executive appointments and related changes to the Board.

The Board changes are the following:

• Peter Truscott appointed as Chief Executive effective from 1 October 2015
• Peter Ventress appointed Deputy Chairman and Senior Independent Non-Executive Director
• Gavin Slark appointed Non-Executive Director effective from 13 May 2015
• Ken Gillespie promoted to Chief Operating Officer
• Peter Rogers to retire from the Board, and
• Greg Fitzgerald to become Non-Executive Chairman from 1 January 2016.

Peter Truscott is currently Divisional Chairman, South at Taylor Wimpey plc and a member of the Group Management team. Peter joined George Wimpey in 1984 and worked at CALA Homes from 1993 to 1996, before re-joining Wimpey where he held a succession of senior management positions.

Peter Ventress is currently Chief Executive Officer of Berendsen plc and a non-executive director at Premier Farnell plc, whilst Gavin Slark is Chief Executive Officer of Grafton Group plc.  Both Peter and Gavin will become members of the audit, nomination and remuneration committees from appointment.

The Board has also asked Ken Gillespie to assume wider Group responsibilities in addition to his role as Construction Division chief executive. In recognition of this expanded role, Ken has been appointed as Group Chief Operating Officer as well as continuing to lead the Construction Division.

As planned, on Peter Ventress' appointment as Deputy Chairman Peter Rogers is retiring from the Board.  Greg Fitzgerald will become Non-Executive Chairman on 1 January 2016 until the AGM in November 2017 whereupon Peter Ventress will become Chairman.  These announcements mark the conclusion of the process to appoint a successor for Greg Fitzgerald as Chief Executive of Galliford Try, and to implement related changes to the Board.

Terry Miller, Chair of the Nomination Committee, said:

"I am pleased that Peter Truscott has agreed to join Galliford Try as Chief Executive. Peter brings great knowledge and experience of our industry and the Board has every confidence in his ability to continue the strategy for disciplined growth that has already started delivering for shareholders. With the appointment of Peter Ventress and Gavin Slark, the Board brings together a good blend of fresh experience and ideas to complement an existing team who have worked together to develop the successful growth strategy."

Peter Ventress, Deputy Chairman and Senior Independent Director, said:

"I join Galliford Try at an exciting stage in its development. Greg has made an immense contribution to the Group's success and we are delighted that his experience will continue to be available to us as Peter Truscott takes on the role of Chief Executive and leads the Group onto even greater success. The Group is in an excellent financial position with a clear growth strategy."

Greg Fitzgerald, Executive Chairman, 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."