Wates Residential has appointed its new regional managing director for London, joining the business in February 2025.
Paul Nicholls returns to Wates after previously serving as the company’s managing director for residential between 2015 to 2021.
After leaving the contractor, Nicholls went on to pursue his own projects in the industry, founding Real Group, in 2021 from the South east and South west division of Rydon Construction.
In October 2023, Housing Today reported that “exceptional costs, delayed starts, extensive inflations and Covid related supply chain issues following the relaxation of restrictions impacted on the group’s financial performance”, leading Real LSE Limited to file a notice of intention to appoint an administrator.
Now, with 30 years of experience in the sector under his belt, Nicholls will oversee Wates Residential’s ambition to be a leading development partner in London.
He will report to Phillippa Prongué who starts in January as executive managing director.
Prongué joins from her role as MD for London and the South East at Bouygues UK.
The announcement of Prongué’s appointment was made last month, taking over from Helen Bunch to lead the firm’s residential business.
Bunch said, “the housing crisis is one of the biggest challenges facing our capital. Paul’s expertise will help us accelerate the deployment of private investment to support the delivery of both the GLA and Government’s ambitious housing targets.
“He re-joins a team that is much more regionalised than it was previously, a decision we made to get closer to our customers and projects. He will bring renewed drive to an already-strong Board and team within the London region.”
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