Persimmon names new MD designate for Severn Valley region

Published by

Giles Gwinnett

Claire Burton - picture contributed

Claire Burton, currently finance director for Persimmon East Wales and Direct, has been appointed as the managing director designate for the house builder's Severn Valley region.

Her role will begin in August when long-standing MD Paul Moody, who has been with the company for 30 years, transitions to the role of 'Special Projects Director' in the south west, supporting complex, large infrastructure sites.

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Burton, who studied accountancy at Cardiff University and qualified as a chartered accountant at Deloitte, will be responsible for overseeing the operations across the company's numerous sites from Tewkesbury to Bridgwater.

She rejoined Persimmon in 2023 after a successful 17-year career at Taylor Wimpey South Wales, having previously built her career at Westbury Homes, which ws acquired by Persimmon in 2005.

Persimmon regional chairman for the South West, Liam Scott, said: "Claire brings extensive sector knowledge and enthusiasm to the role, coupled with a proven track record for delivering outstanding results.

"I would also like to pay tribute to Paul Moody for his over 30 years of dedicated service to the business. While Paul is stepping down as MD, we are fortunate to retain his expertise in his new role as Special Projects Director, where he will continue to play a key role in our operations.

"I look forward to working with Claire and the Severn Valley team to continue our focus and drive on sustained growth."

Moody added: "I wish Claire and the Severn Valley region all the best for the future. I am confident that under her leadership, the team will continue to thrive and achieve great success.

Buton said her new role presented an "exciting opportunity to lead a talented team and continue building on the strong foundations established by Paul Moody".

"I am eager to bring my experience and passion for the housebuilding industry to the Severn Valley region, ensuring we continue to deliver high-quality homes and foster thriving communities," she added.

Giles Gwinnett

Giles Gwinnett is a writer at The Business Magazine. He has been a journalist for more than 20 years and covered a vast array of topics at a range of media settings - in print and online. After his NCTJ newspaper training, he became a reporter in Hampshire before moving to a news agency in Gloucestershire. In recent years, he has been covering the financial markets along with company news for an investor-focused web portal. His many interests include politics, energy and the environment. He lives in Dorset.