Watkin Jones Names Simon Jones in the Role of CFO as Sarah Sergeant Steps Down

Watkin Jones, the property group, has announced the appointment of Simon Jones as its new Chief Financial Officer as part of a managed succession process. Jones will succeed Sarah Sergeant, who will step down from the board of the listed business in mid-June 2024. Jones will assume the role of chief financial officer designate and board member on May 21, 2024, working closely with Sergeant to ensure a seamless transition of responsibilities. 

The announcement of Jones’s appointment follows the publication of Watkin Jones’s interim results for the six months ended March 31, 2024. The company reported that first-half performance was driven substantially by contractually secure forward-sold developments, with project margins in line with guidance provided in the FY23 results. Additionally, Watkin Jones completed the forward sale of a 260-bed PBSA scheme in Bristol during the period.

With extensive experience in the property sector, including senior finance roles at companies such as the US majority-owned Mapeley Group, Bass PLC (now IHG Group PLC), Hilton, and Whitbread PLC, Jones brings a wealth of commercial and operational expertise to Watkin Jones.

Jones expressed enthusiasm for joining Watkin Jones and praised the company’s clear strategy within the real estate and residential markets. He emphasized his commitment to supporting the group’s growth plans and delivering value to stakeholders under the leadership of Alex and the team.

Alan Giddins, Chair of Watkin Jones, expressed confidence in Jones’s appointment, highlighting his significant property-related experience, which aligns with the company’s strategic focus on opportunities within the residential for-rent sector. Giddins also thanked Sergeant for her contributions to Watkin Jones, particularly during challenging market conditions.

Looking ahead, Watkin Jones noted that it currently has one scheme under offer and is actively marketing further schemes. The company expects performance to be significantly second-half weighted, reflecting the timing of forward sales targeted for completion this year. Watkin Jones, with offices in Bangor, Chester, and London, continues to position itself for growth and success in the dynamic real estate market under new financial leadership.

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