The move sees much of the ex-Redrow management team reunited as Gladedale’s top brass.
Fitzsimmons is joined by Colin Lewis, also ex-Redrow, who has been appointed chief operating officer.
At the start of the year, the former Redrow chairman Alan Bowkett joined Gladedale as non-executive chairman.
Fitzsimmons replaces David Gaffney who is leaving after eight years. A spokesperson for Gladedale said the firm was grateful to Gaffney and wished him success in the future.
A chartered accountant by profession, Mr Fitzsimmons has worked in the construction and housebuilding sectors since 1986 and was appointed chief executive of Redrow on 1 August 2005.