Avant appoints former Persimmon exec as new CFO

Housebuilder Avant Homes has appointed former Persimmon strategy director Richard Stenhouse to be the firm’s new chief financial officer, replacing long-serving CFO Giles Sharp.

The change is the latest senior people move at the firm since controversial former Persimmon chief exec Jeff Fairburn spearheaded an audacious reverse takeover of £505m turnover Avant by Yorkshire SME builder Berkeley DeVeer.

Stenhouse (pictured, below) was appointed a director of both Avant Homes Group and Berkeley DeVeer on March 11, according to documents filed at Companies House, with his LinkedIn page listing him as chief financial officer of Avant from February 2022.

Prior to joining Avant, Stenhouse was group strategy director at Persimmon, following a long-term stint as group tax and treasury director at the housebuilder from 2006 to 2019.

Stenhouse’s appointment follows concern voiced by Avant’s former chief executive, Colin Lewis, over the direction of the business under its new owners.

Lewis stepped down from the business in the wake of the takeover, which was backed by Elliott Advisors, citing concerns over a potential reduction in the design quality and specification of the homes built by Avant under Jeff Fairburn’s leadership.

Jeff Fairburn gained notoriety after stepping down from Persimmon following a furore over his £75m bonus package. Since the deal to buy Avant went through, Avant chief executive Mark Mitchell has also left the business.

Earlier this month Avant appointed former Persimmon and Bellway exec Don Anderson to be the firm’s new North east MD.

A spokesperson for Avant Homes said: “We are delighted that Richard has joined Avant Homes as Chief Financial Officer. His considerable experience will be invaluable as we continue to build one of the UK’s leading housebuilders.

“We would also like to thank Giles for his major contribution to the success of Avant Homes over the past seven years and wish him well for the future.”