The firm has appointed former Vistry Group regional managing director Joanne Morrison to head its North West business, while ex-Story Homes commercial chief Matthew Swallow joins as commercial director.

Joanne Morrison and Matthew Swallow

Morrison spent more than a decade leading Vistry’s Mercia region, overseeing delivery of more than 600 homes a year across up to 10 active sites under the Bovis Homes and Linden Homes brands.

She takes charge as Gleeson ramps up growth plans across the region, with operations already spanning Greater Manchester, Merseyside, Carlisle and Cumbria. The business is also preparing to expand into Warrington.

Based at Gleeson’s Penrith office, Morrison said the business had “exciting plans for the region” with a focus on building a strong land bank and delivering sustainable homes.

Swallow joins after eight years as commercial director at Story Homes, bringing more than two decades of regional housing market experience.

He will oversee the commercial operation across the North West as Gleeson targets larger and higher-volume developments.

Gleeson currently has eight active developments across the region with another six sites expected to come forward in the next financial year.

The appointments mark another expansion move for MJ Gleeson as the low-cost homes specialist pushes deeper into North West growth markets.