Stewart Milne Group has appointed a chief operating officer to further strengthen the senior management team as the firm gears up for what it has decribes as “a new period of growth”.

Stuart MacGregor, formerly group finance director, will take up the newly created post of chief operating officer following a review of the overall group structure.

In his new role, Mr MacGregor will work closely with the group’s chief executive, Glenn Allison, with responsibility for managing all aspects of the group’s activities and in particular, overseeing ambitious growth plans across all its business operations.

The independent, award-winning housebuilder and timber systems manufacturer has seen substantial growth in house building activity and timber frame sales over the last two years and currently has a turnover of around £300 milion.

The group’s homes businesses in Central Scotland and North-west England continue to perform strongly and, with the North-east of Scotland property market picking up, Stewart Milne Homes North Scotland is also showing positive signs for the current year and beyond.

Stewart Milne Timber System, now the UK housebuilding industry’ leader in modern methods of construction, has seen a significant rise in sales over the last three years which is forecast to increase further due to the continued demand for new housing across the UK.

Glenn Allison, chief executive of Stewart Milne Group said: “Stuart has made a huge contribution to realising the group’s growth strategy and has played a critical role in delivering innovative funding partnerships with the UK Treasury and Homes England which have helped facilitate this success.

“His proven commercial skills, combined with his extensive financial knowledge and business experience, make him the obvious choice to support me in delivering our growth ambitions.”

Mr MacGregor joined Stewart Milne Group in April 2015 after a 15 year career with Heineken where he held a number of senior finance roles in the UK and across Europe. Latterly he held the position of Global Business Control Director at Heineken’s head-quarters in Amsterdam where he was responsible for the finances of the central functions of the group. During his time with the global brewer he also worked in Belgium, Portugal and Finland and has a proven track record in driving profitable and sustainable business growth.

Mr MacGregor said: “It has been hugely enjoyable and rewarding to work with Glenn and the team in the last three years. As a result of the decisions we’ve taken to invest in strong performing markets, the business is now well positioned for sustainable growth. I am excited about accepting wider responsibility within Stewart Milne Group and look forward to working with the entire team to drive the business forward.”

With Mr MacGregor in his new role as chief operating officer, recruitment for a new group finance director is currently underway.