He joins the £200m turnover housing group in August, taking the CEO job from Jeffrey Adams who becomes group chairman.
During his eight and a half years at MEPC de BLaby was responsible for the wholesale re-positioning of the developer.
He over saw MEPC’s re-financing and increased development activity.
The leadership of the group’s two principal companies will remain unchanged, with Nick Stonley as managing director of United House Developments, and Colin Forrest as managing director of United House Ltd.
Adams said: “With a £1.2bn pipeline that will deliver more than 2000 homes, we have a clear and exciting vision, which allows us to take advantage of the enormous demand for more housing in the capital, both as developer and contractor.
“Rick’s appointment comes at a time when the group is moving into more and more complex schemes, partnership and new funding models, allowing the group to bring forward more schemes that mainstream developers would be reluctant to take on.”