Edinburgh-based property developer Qmile Group has announced the appointment of former Redrow plc and Avant Homes chief executive, Neil Fitzsimmons, as non-executive chairman.

With more than 30 years’ property sector experience, Neil will work closely with Paul Curran and the management team to realise the company’s ambitious strategic growth plans across mixed-use, residential and commercial development opportunities.

Commenting on his appointment, Neil Fitzsimmons said: “Qmile Group has a national and international reputation for design and build excellence, coupled with the ability to successfully deliver complex, high profile projects.

“I have known Paul and Mike since my time as chief executive of Avant Homes and have been highly impressed by the way they have continued to evolve the business over the past eight years. There are significant opportunities for a developer of Qmile Group’s calibre and I am looking forward to helping them find, secure, fund and deliver new initiatives.”

Neil was a main board director with Redrow plc for more than ten years, including four years as chief executive, before joining Avant Homes in 2010 where he held the same position for four-and-a-half years leading its successful restructuring and eventual sale to a consortium of private equity funds. He is also a non-executive director of the Home Builders Federation (HBF).

Welcoming Neil to the company, Qmile Group chief executive, Paul Curran, said: “Neil’s appointment is a clear statement of our intent to further enhance Qmile Group’s position as one of the UK’s most respected property developers.

“He is highly regarded throughout the property industry and has the plc board level experience, insight and expertise to provide us with valuable strategic advice. Thanks to his many years of experience, Neil has established many strong relationships which Qmile Group will be able to continue to develop.

“Neil is joining Qmile Group at an exciting time. We have been exploring a number of development opportunities and expect to make an announcement regarding new projects soon.”

Launched in May this year following a management buyout (MBO) by chief executive Paul Curran and finance director Mike Milligan, Qmile Group is widely recognised for delivering Edinburgh city centre’s landmark £750m Quartermile mixed-use development.

Comprising 1,000 apartments, 370,000 sq ft of Grade A office accommodation and 65,000 sq ft of retail and leisure space, the development will also be home to the Edinburgh Futures Institute, the University of Edinburgh’s new interdisciplinary hub.

In addition, Qmile Group is currently building 145 homes at its 52-acre, £100m Craighouse development in the Scottish capital.