Henry Boot confirmed on Friday that Tim Roberts will leave his role as chief executive later this year, ending a six-year tenure. The company said Roberts will conduct a handover to Edward Hutchinson, who has been appointed to succeed him as CEO.
Roberts became chief executive in 2020 and during his time in the top role oversaw a transformation of the business - efforts the company described as modernising governance, simplifying strategy and implementing a range of portfolio changes. Among those portfolio moves were the acquisition of Stonebridge Homes and the disposal of Henry Boot Construction. The board also highlighted advancement of the group s responsible business agenda as a feature of Roberts s leadership.
Edward Hutchinson is an internal appointment who first joined the company in 2004. In the most recent period he served as Interim Managing Director of Stonebridge Homes, where he was responsible for the integration of the business and leading performance improvement efforts. The board commented on Hutchinson s broad expertise across development, land and delivery as part of its rationale for selecting him as the next chief executive.
In a statement accompanying the announcement Roberts said: "Now is the right time for a leadership transition and I will work with Ed to ensure a smooth handover and wish him and the Company every success for the future." The company said the handover will take place ahead of Hutchinson formally assuming the chief executive responsibilities later in the year.
The change at the top comes after a period of structural change within the group, with the purchase of Stonebridge Homes and the disposal of the construction arm forming part of a broader reshaping of the portfolio. The announcement makes clear the board s preference for continuity through the appointment of a long-serving internal candidate who has direct experience of integrating the group s recent acquisition.
Details on the precise timing of Roberts s departure and the formal date when Hutchinson will assume full duties were not specified beyond the indication that the move will take place later this year and follow a handover period.
Summary
Henry Boot said its chief executive Tim Roberts will step down later this year after six years in the role. Edward Hutchinson, a company veteran who most recently served as Interim Managing Director of Stonebridge Homes, has been appointed to succeed him following a handover period. Roberts led governance, strategic and portfolio changes, including the acquisition of Stonebridge Homes and the sale of Henry Boot Construction, while advancing the group's responsible business agenda.