Wates has announced a new executive managing director of its Residential business.
Phillippa Prongué will take up the position in the new year, succeeding Helen Bunch who is retiring after a 19-year career at Wates.
Prongué brings decades of experience from the real estate sector, and joins from Bouygues UK where she was MD for London and the South East.
Bunch, who served as executive MD for the Residential business since 2020, leaves Wates having overseen 150 per cent growth and a 73 per cent increase in operating profit during her leadership.
Prongué will look to build on this, with more than 10,000 homes in delivery for the development pipeline for the next five years.
Prongué said: “It’s an exciting time to be joining the Residential business at Wates. It has already seen immense growth under Helen’s direction. I look forward to joining a team of talented people whose expertise, ingenuity, and diligence has resulted in an exceptional business with a clear purpose, culture, and ambition.”
Wates chief executive, Eoghan O’Lionaird, added: “All of us at Wates are grateful to Helen for her exceptional leadership and contribution to the group. Our Residential business has grown significantly under her stewardship thanks to her drive, determination, and commitment to our purpose of delivering much needed high-quality homes for those that need them most. We will all miss her greatly and wish her the best for her retirement.
“Looking to the future, we are delighted to have Pip come on board to continue this work with her proven track record across the sector that spans many high-profile and large-scale regeneration and residential-led development schemes.
“Her expertise and knowledge will support us in driving forward our strategy, building on existing partnerships, and realising new opportunities for residential development across the UK.”
Bunch said: “After an incredibly rewarding 19-year career with the Wates Group, I have taken the decision to retire. I am pleased to be handing over to Pip who I know will continue to support the fantastic work that the Residential team is doing to deliver the safe, sustainable and low-carbon buildings and infrastructure the UK needs.”
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