Wates has appointed Phillippa Prongué as their new executive managing director of the residential division, succeeding Helen Bunch.
- Phillippa Prongué moves from Bouygues UK, where she served as managing director for London and the southeast.
- Helen Bunch leaves behind a legacy of substantial growth, having increased Wates Residential’s capacity and profit significantly.
- Prongué will oversee a division tasked with delivering over 10,000 homes within the next five years.
- The transition represents a strategic shift as Wates continues to expand its influence in the UK residential sector.
Wates has officially named Phillippa Prongué as the new executive managing director of its residential business, succeeding Helen Bunch. She joins the company from Bouygues UK, where she held the position of managing director for London and the southeast. Her previous experience includes a significant tenure at Kier, where she held various roles, including corporate development director from 2018 to 2020. Prongué’s appointment is poised to drive the next phase of growth in Wates Residential’s operations.
Under Helen Bunch’s leadership, Wates Residential experienced remarkable growth. In particular, the division saw a 150% increase in growth and a 73% rise in operating profit. Bunch’s tenure was marked by her ability to significantly expand the residential division’s capabilities, focusing on delivering high-quality homes to meet increasing demand. Her departure signals a new chapter for the company as it builds on this strong foundation.
Phillippa Prongué is tasked with managing an extensive portfolio, with over 10,000 homes scheduled to be delivered or under development in the next five years. Her track record of handling large-scale, high-profile regeneration and residential-led development projects positions her well to take on this challenge. Chief Executive Eoghan O’Lionaird expressed confidence in her abilities, stating that her expertise will be instrumental in realising new opportunities and strengthening partnerships across the UK.
The transition from Bunch to Prongué also reflects a broader strategic ambition at Wates to further its impact within the UK residential market. Wates is actively seeking to fill several leadership roles within its development team, an initiative that complements the appointment of a new managing director for the London region. This approach underscores Wates’ commitment to strengthening its leadership and expanding its residential business.
Phillippa Prongué has expressed her eagerness to join a team known for their expertise and innovation. She acknowledged the significant growth achieved under Bunch’s direction and expressed enthusiasm to continue building an exceptional business with a clear purpose, culture, and ambition. Prongué’s vision aligns with Wates’ objective to continue delivering sustainable and low-carbon buildings and infrastructure, crucial for the UK’s future development needs.
Phillippa Prongué’s appointment marks a pivotal moment for Wates as it continues to grow and adapt within the residential construction sector.
