Barratt names new Yorkshire West managing director, while Avant Homes poaches Persimmon director for East Mids role

Barratt’s Yorkshire West division has appointed a new managing director to replace Ian Ruthven who is retiring after 18 years in the post. 

Gavin Birch joins the board as managing director, having worked for the business for 31 years. 

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Gavin Birch (left) and Ian Ruthven

“I’m excited to step into this hugely rewarding role to lead the extremely talented board of directors,” Birch said in a statement.

“I’m keen to help shape long term strategies and deliver quality housing to customers and support communities in the region.”

Birch started his career as an apprentice quantity surveyor in 1992 at Barratt  in York.

He progressed through the ranks until he became operations director at Barratt’s Yorkshire West division based in Morley, working with Ruthven, in 2021. 

Ruthven has been responsible for the delivery of over 15,000 new homes during his career. 

He said: “Gavin is a natural leader and has a huge deal of experience and understanding behind him, so he brings a lot to the Yorkshire West division.”

Barratt Group sold 12,604 homes in the year to June 2020.

Avant Homes today announced the appointment of a new managing director to lead its East Midlands operations.

Ben Felton, Avant Homes East Midlands' managing director

Ben Felton, Avant Homes’ new East Midlands’ managing director

Ben Felton, who was previously a managing director for Persimmon Homes, has 16 years’ experience in the housebuilding industry.

“Avant Homes is an ambitious company and one which I am very pleased to have joined,” Felton said in a statement.

“I am leading a great team in the East Midlands, all of whom are dedicated to growing our business and delivering more of our new range of homes throughout the region.”

Avant Homes Group employs more than 600 people and has a medium-term strategic objective to sell more than 6,000 new homes per year.