Iain McPherson is set to become Persimmon Homes’ new UK managing director at the end of the year.

McPherson is currently Sage Homes’ chief operating officer, having previously been CEO of Countryside and a managing director at Crest Nicholson, among a number of other roles within the wider housing industry.

He will replace Paul Hurst, who will retire at the end of the year.

“In my current role I have worked directly with Persimmon and have seen the progress they have made in recent years first hand,” says McPherson.

“I look forward to working with colleagues to maintain and build on this progress.”

Dean Finch, group chief executive at Persimmon, adds: “Iain has significant breadth and depth of experience, including as CEO of Countryside and will complement our existing senior management team.

“I look forward to working with him in the coming years to continue driving our growth plans and quality and customer service improvements.”

Finch also paid tribute to the outgoing Hurst who will retire after 28 years with the company.

Finch adds: “I would also like to pay tribute to Paul Hurst who retires following 28 years of extraordinary service to Persimmon.

“Paul retires with the warmest wishes of colleagues and many friends within the business and I am personally grateful for his great support to me during my time at Persimmon.”