Blackstone-owned ‘for profit’ landlord Sage Homes has appointed former Countryside boss Iain McPherson as its chief operating officer. 

McPherson left Countryside suddenly in January this year after just two years in the role.

His departure came as the firm said its first quarter performance was “below expectiations” as its profit more than halved.

McPherson was at Countryside for more than seven years, serving as chief executive of the firms Partnership South business and before that as managing director. He is credited with leading a restructuirng programme that allowed the group to double home completions over four years.