Gibbons was one of the architects of the rise of Gallford’s Partnership business during nearly nine years as managing director and 16 years at the group.

He is returning to Lovell after a brief stint from 2000 as London operations director at the business. Before that he also worked at Galliford Try bringing his total years of service to 29 years.

Most recently Gibbons oversaw the expansion of Galliford Try’s Partnerships and Regeneration division into a national business building more than 2,700 homes annually and turning over £475m.

During this time, he delivered a series of landmark schemes including 2,500 homes as part of the £347m Gateshead Regeneration Partnership and the £100m Brunswick Housing PFI in Manchester.

Gibbons takes over from Lovell director Richard Vining who moves back to his central role with the company.

Lovell managing director Steve Coleby says: “We’re delighted to welcome Stuart, who possesses a formidable industry track record, to lead our London team.

“His substantial expertise, notably in the affordable and mixed-tenure residential sector, means he is perfectly placed to deliver the company’s continued pursuit of significant planned growth in London and the South East.”

Lovell’s current forward order book for London exceeds £750m with the business set to complete over 760 new homes across the region during 2018.

Among key projects is Trinity Woolwich, a £500m major estate regeneration programme in Woolwich, south-east London in partnership with PA Housing and the Royal Borough of Greenwich which is transforming three local housing estates with 1,500 for sale and affordable homes.

The region will also have major opportunities in Hertfordshire through Chalkdene Developments, a 15-year, £2bn property delivery joint venture launched by Lovell sister company Morgan Sindall Investments and Hertfordshire County Council.

This was set up to bring forward housing-led developments on the council’s surplus land.  The partnership will initially focus on 12 locations, with the capacity to build more than 500 homes. The joint venture approach also allows for development to be potentially extended to around 40 sites.