Mr Akers brings a wealth of leadership experience and sector insight to the role, having spent his career in the property and land acquisition industry, including twenty years with Land Securities, and another nearly ten years in non-executive director roles with Barratt Developments PLC. 

Currently a senior independent director at Shaftesbury Capital PLC, he chaired Redrow PLC until its merger with Barratt Developments PLC completed in October 2024. He has also served as a non-executive director for Unite Group PLC and EMAAR Malls in Dubai, and on the advisory board for the Battersea Power Station development. 

Mr Akers takes over from Chris Endsor, who retires after a 45-year career, over half of which was with Miller Homes, which included time as CEO and later as chairman.

Richard Akers said: “It’s my privilege to take on the role of chair of Miller Homes, a business with a strong history and a promising future. The company is poised to grow and deliver more of the high-quality, sustainable homes that are needed across the UK, and I’m excited to work with my fellow trustees and the leadership team to deliver on our ambitious growth strategy.”

Stewart Lynes, CEO of Miller Homes, said: “I am delighted to welcome Richard to the Miller Homes team. The depth and breadth of his experience will be a critical asset to us as we continue to progress with our medium-term growth ambition of reaching 6,000 homes a year.

“I would also like to thank Chris for his leadership and commitment during his tenure. His storied career has left a permanent mark on Miller Homes. I wish him all the happiness in his well-deserved retirement.”

Rajesh Jegadeesh, board member of Miller Homes and managing director at Apollo, said: “Richard has an exceptional track record in UK housing; to attract a chair of his calibre reflects the growth opportunity we see in Miller Homes. We are excited to draw upon his extensive expertise as Miller enters a new phase of growth and delivers on its ambition to provide more high-quality housing across the UK.

“We thank Chris for his decades of support in building Miller Homes into the leading business it is today and wish him well in retirement.”

Miller Homes celebrated its 90th year of operations last year. The homebuilder was founded in Scotland but now also operates in the North of England, the Midlands and the South. It recently announced the acquisition of St. Modwen Homes as part of its wider growth strategy. The deal is subject to regulatory approval and is expected to close this quarter.

Akers took over from Chris Endsor on 1 January 2025, following Endsor’s retirement.