The company has named Edward Hutchinson, presently interim managing director of Boot’s joint venture housing business Stonebridge Homes, as ceo designate.

Hutchinson was formerly managing director of Henry Boot Developments, before taking the reins at Stonebridge last year following the departure of Steve Errington.

(L-r) Chief executive Tim Roberts will be succeeded by Edward Hutchinson

Roberts will remain in post to work alongside Hutchinson during a handover before a final transition date is confirmed.

Hutchinson joined Henry Boot’s development arm HBD in 2004, became a director in 2012 and was promoted to managing director in 2018.

He has sat on the group executive committee for the past six years and more recently took charge of Stonebridge Homes following Henry Boot’s phased acquisition of the house builder.

Roberts joined Henry Boot in 2020 and has overseen a shake-up of the group, including the Stonebridge deal, the sale of Henry Boot Construction and the company’s head office move to Sheffield city centre.

Chair Peter Mawson said: “On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Tim for his hard work and stewardship. During the last six years, Tim has led the business through unprecedented challenges and macro economic uncertainty, and delivered significant strategic and operational change.”

Hutchinson said: “Henry Boot has a long and rich history and it is a privilege to lead the business into its next chapter.”