People: New MD for housebuilder’s Yorkshire region; CEO at Leeds College of Building announced; Board members appointed at Leeds Grand Theatre; and more

The Yorkshire region of Miller Homes has appointed a new managing director as it enters the next phase of its growth plan.

Mark Leigh joins the housebuilder from Taylor Wimpey, and has enjoyed a successful senior level career in the housebuilding industry.

Leigh said: “I am delighted to join the Miller team in Yorkshire at a very exciting time in its history and already feel that we can achieve much together.

“There are years of experience amongst the team and this forms the foundation for a strong platform for ongoing growth and success.”

Taking over the reins from Steve Birch after his retirement, Leigh started his career as a Graduate Trainee with Alfred McAlpine homes and rose through the ranks beginning his director level career in 1998.

“The Yorkshire Region at Miller Homes offers great potential from a market perspective and, when coupled with the Miller brand and reputation I feel a real sense of excitement to be leading the team in Wakefield. As we implement our strategy for delivering further growth and continuous improvement we are confident that we can continue to build homes for future communities that can make a real difference and be the place to be.”

Miller Homes Yorkshire continues with its growth plans to deliver in excess of 600 units per year by 2020. “I have always enjoyed my career in the industry and I would urge anyone who is thinking about their career, whatever their background or skillset, to explore what housebuilding has to offer – the opportunities are many and varied.”

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Leeds Building College has announced that the current deputy principal will step up to the role of CEO & Principal following the retirement of the incumbent, Ian Billyard.

Derek Whitehead, currently Deputy Principal at the College, will take up the position in January 2019.

Whitehead said: “I am very much looking forward to starting my new role as Principal of Leeds College of Building, continuing to build on the existing successes at the College.  The College and all the staff are committed to ensuring students have a first-class experience together, reaching their full potential and maximising the opportunities that are available to them. I have worked at the College for 14½ years; the College has an exciting future ahead, supported by stakeholders and employers and I am honoured and thrilled to have the opportunity to lead it.”

Andrew Iveson, Chair of Governors, said: “We look forward to Derek commencing his role as Principal. Not only will his appointment ensure a thorough and seamless transition, he has outstanding knowledge of the College, construction and built environment sector and our aspirations. We are certain that his expertise will continue to make a significant contribution to the future success of the College.

“The Board would also like to acknowledge the commitment and hard work of Ian Billyard in supporting students to achieve their aspirations – and stakeholders to engage with us – to ensure that the construction sector is supported and developed in the Leeds City Region and beyond.”

Ian Billyard, a former building surveyor, announced in May his intention to retire at the end of the year. Billyard has been CEO & Principal since March 2003 following his internal promotion from the position of Deputy Principal which he held since April 1996. He will have been employed at the College for over 22 years when he retires.

Billyard said: “It has been an enormous privilege to have worked with such an outstanding team of staff and Governors. During this time the College has changed considerably; both in response to industry and the FE sector and I feel it’s in great shape for the next stage in its development.”

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Leeds Grand Theatre & Opera House has appointed three Board members as the company moves into the final stages of independence and a significant period of change.

Kris Brewster, head of products at Skipton Building Society, Peter Wilkinson, a property and construction professional with an independent advisory practice and Councillor Jane Dowson, Chapel Allerton Ward Councillor, will join the 11-strong Board with immediate effect.

Until recently, Leeds Grand Theatre & Opera House Ltd, which manages Leeds Grand Theatre, City Varieties Music Hall and Hyde Park Picture House, housed a Board and Chair that was primarily made up of Leeds City Council members. However, since 2016, the Chair of the Board has been independent, and the number of Council members has decreased in a bid to move to independence by early 2019.

Chris Blythe, chief executive, said: “This an incredibly exciting time to join the Board and offers a real opportunity to shape the future direction of the Company.

“With several ambitious projects on the horizon, including the £3.6m regeneration of the Hyde Park Picture House, we looked to appoint members who could bring new skills to the Board, whilst enhancing those already available. Applicants were expected to have an awareness and understanding of the responsibilities and commitment required in charity governance, as well as an ability to contribute to the strategic decision-making process.

“The new appointments will also be required to support and challenge the management team in its delivery of key aspects of the business needs.”

Brewster said: “I’m delighted to be joining the board of trustees and look forward to supporting Leeds Grand Theatre & Opera House Ltd in continuing to provide Leeds and Yorkshire with the highest quality cultural entertainment.”

Entrepreneur Wilkinson added: “I am absolutely delighted to join the Board of Leeds Grand Theatre & Opera House Ltd. The venues and buildings are a wonderful asset for the Charitable company, for Leeds and the wider community. With my knowledge and experience, I look forward to supporting the Board as they embark on a number of important capital projects in the coming years.”

A former Lord Mayor of Leeds, Coluncillor Jane Dowson has been a ward councillor since 2004, said: “One of my key focuses will be on customer experiences using my qualifications and experience in the field.  I am also here to ensure best value for the city utilising the Companies venues for income generation for this and other sectors in the city.”

Across its three historic, cultural venues, Leeds Grand Theatre & Opera House Ltd presents a year-round programme of musicals, drama, ballet, opera, music, comedy, variety and film, as well as actively working across the city to engage young people both in and out of formal education settings.

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