Mr Tutte will succeed Paul Hampden Smith, who will retire from the board as non-executive chairman on 1st April 2022, following almost nine years’ service as a non-executive director.

He brings extensive leadership skills and over 40 years of housebuilding experience, principally through various senior roles at Redrow plc, including group chief executive,  executive chairman and then non-executive chairman, prior to him retiring from the board in 2021. John is also a non-executive director of the Home Builders Federation and until 2020 he was also chairman of the Home Building Skills Partnership.

Denise Jagger, senior independent director, said: “Following a very thorough search and selection process, the Board is delighted to appoint someone of John’s calibre and sector
experience as Bellway’s next chairman. John will lead the board as Bellway continues to deliver its long-term growth strategy and I am sure that he will make a significant contribution to the ongoing and future success of the group.

“The Board would also like to thank Paul Hampden Smith for the excellent contribution he has made to Bellway over the course of his tenure. In particular, he has led the board during the challenging circumstances presented by the Covid-19 pandemic, during which time the group has maintained its focus on quality and its strategy to increase housing output over the longer term. We wish him well for the future.”

John Tutte said: “I am delighted to be joining Bellway which has such a focus on quality, a responsible approach to business and strong foundations to maintain its impressive track record of sustainable volume growth. I am looking forward to working with the board as it continues to ensure the ongoing and long-term success of Bellway and its stakeholders.”

Paul Hampden Smith added: “It has been a privilege to serve Bellway for almost nine years, including the past three years as chairman. Bellway remains in a strong position, and I leave the group confident that it is well placed to execute its ambitious and ongoing growth strategy. I wish Bellway’s hardworking and dedicated colleagues much success for the future.”

As well as his role as non-executive chairman, John will also serve on the remuneration and nomination committees of the board and from 1st April 2022 will chair the nomination committee.