With more than 28 years’ experience of operating in a complex, global HR environment, Claire has a wide range of experience including advising boards of directors, supporting remuneration and nomination committees, succession planning, strategic planning and corporate restructuring.

Claire has been senior vice president, HR at GlaxoSmithKline PLC for more than 10 years with responsibility for the global HR function and was also a non-executive director for the UK Government’s Department of Energy and Climate Change.

Ms Thomas will also be appointed as a member of the company’s remuneration and nomination committees when she joins on August 1.

Roger Devlin, chairman of Persimmon, said: “We are building a new Persimmon with progressive changes being made to our customer care, governance and remuneration.  As part of that plan, we are further strengthening our board and remuneration committee with the appointment of a new, forward-thinking independent director with a strong track record in a highly respected global organisation.  I am pleased to welcome Claire to Persimmon’s board.”