Gleeson appoints new HR director

MJ Gleeson has appointed a new human resources director.

Samantha Knight, who has worked in the discipline for more than 20 years, has previously worked at Robertson Facilities Management and Morgan Sindall Property Services. 

She takes over from Alan McGillivray, who held the position for 14 months having initially been appointed on an interim basis. 

Samantha Knight, incoming Human Resources Director, said she was “delighted” to join a business with a “positive corporate heartbeat”.  

“Already, I have seen evidence of a fantastically supportive team of people who are highly passionate and focused on delivering a high-quality product that makes a huge impact on people’s lives,” she said.  

“I am committed to further developing our employee value proposition, maintaining Gleeson’s standing as an employer of choice in the housing sector. 

“In particular, as we close out National Apprenticeship Week, I look forward to enhancing Gleeson’s apprenticeship offer in 2024 and beyond, in addition to further enhancing our workforce diversity.” 

Last month, the housebuilder and land trader revealed its full year gross margins had fallen below expectations by between 1.5% to 2% as a result of “legacy issues”.  

In a trading update for the half-year ending 31 December 2023, it was revealed that Gleeson Homes completed the sale of 769 homes, 14% fewer than the same period in 2022. 

The group, which is due to publish its full results on 15 February 2024, reported net debt of £18.7m at 31 December 2023, compared to 30 June 2023 when it had £5.2m net cash.