Galliford Try has appointed the chief financial officer of pest control company Rentokil to its Board.

Jeremy Townsend will join the construction and housebuilding group as a non-executive director from the beginning of September.

His appointment comes as audit committee chairman Andrew Jenner steps down after nine years.

Mr Townsend’s previous jobs include finance director at Mitchells & Butlers and corporate finance director at J Sainsbury.

Chairman Peter Ventress said: “Jeremy’s appointment will further strengthen our independence and the experience of the Board as well as ensure a smooth transition for Andrew’s departure. The Board looks forward to Jeremy quickly establishing himself in the new role, and to benefiting from his extensive corporate and sector experience. Jeremy will assume the role of chair of the audit committee on Andrew stepping down.”