Change at top for builders Crest Nicholson and Galliford Try

Crest Nicholson has taken on the boss of rival construction outfit Galliford Try, which was one of the contractors on the Aberdeen bypass project, as it pursues a fresh strategy.

Peter Truscott will become chief executive following the end of his contract at Galliford Try in September. He replac- es long-standing boss Patrick Bergin, who has agreed to step down with immediate effect after 13 years at the company.

Galliford Try announced that finance boss Graham Prothero will succeed Truscott as its chief executive.

Crest Nicholson chairman Stephen Stone said the appointment of its new chief executive would aid the group in its shift from growth to cash generation with a strong emphasis on partnerships and other joint ventures.

“Peter is highly experienced at delivering a broad range of housing needs to customers working with local authorities, housing associations as well as private homebuyers. This, together with his operational and public company experience, will bring strong additional expertise.”

Prothero, who became group finance director of Galliford in 2013, said of his promotion: “I am tremendously proud and honoured to have been given the chance to lead our great business, and I thank the board for giving me this opportunity.

“The outlook for Galliford Try is exciting as we continue our strategy towards 2021,” he added. 0 Graham Prothero becomes chief executive of Galliford Try