New Regional Chairman for major housebuilder

The appointment follows the progression of current Regional Chairman, Julian Roper, who will shortly step up to a broader Group role as Persimmon’s Group Construction Director.

He joins Persimmon from Barratt Redrow, where he served as Managing Director of Barratt Bristol from June 2021 to March 2026. Rob previously spent nearly 12 years with Persimmon, holding a number of senior roles across the business.

During his earlier tenure with the company, Rob served as Land Director, Regional Land Director, and Managing Director within the South West region. As Managing Director of the South West region based in Exeter, he led the business from April 2019 to June 2021. Prior to that, as Regional Land Director, he oversaw land acquisition activity across Persimmon’s Wessex and Severn Valley businesses.

With more than 26 years of experience in the housebuilding industry, Rob will oversee and support Persimmon’s four regional businesses within the South West division: Wessex, Severn Valley, South West, and Cornwall and West Devon. Rob will shape divisional strategy and ensure delivery of business objectives, working closely with Group and regional teams to support continued growth and excellence across the South West.

Commenting on his appointment, Rob Hart said: “I am delighted to be returning to Persimmon and taking on the role of Regional Chairman of the South West division.

“I look forward to working with colleagues across the region as we continue to deliver high-quality new homes and leave a positive and lasting legacy at our sites.

“Persimmon has an incredibly strong presence across the South West, and I am excited to help drive the division’s continued success in the years ahead.”