Barratt share price: Group poaches William Hill’s finance director

Housebuilder Barratt Developments (LON:BDEV) has appointed William Hill’s (LON:WMH) finance director Neil Cooper as its new chief financial officer. Before joining the bookmaker, Cooper served as finance director of Barratt rival Bovis Homes (LON:BVS) from 2007 until 2010. Before that, he worked for hospitality group Whitbread (LON:WTB) for eight years.

At Barratt, Cooper is filling the post vacated by David Thomas, who steps up to become chief executive of the FTSE 100-listed company next month. Thomas said in a statement today: “Neil has a strong CFO track record as well as a good knowledge of the house-building sector. He has been a key part of shaping the direction of Bovis Homes and William Hill and is an exceptional appointment for Barratt; I am confident that he will add real value to our business.”
Barratt said that Cooper would join its board after fulfilling his contractual obligations to his existing employer. William Hill said he has a 12 month notice period “but his actual departure date will be confirmed in due course. In the meantime, Neil will continue with his existing responsibilities”.
James Henderson, William Hill’s chief executive, said the search for a Cooper successor would now begin. “He leaves us in excellent financial health. On a personal note, I am grateful to him for his support and advice during my transition into the CEO role last year,” Henderson noted.
Barratt’s share price headed south this morning. As of 09:13 BST, the company was trading 0.97 percent lower at 612.50p. The stock has soared over 30 percent in the year to date.
As of 09:38 BST, Thursday, 18 June, Barratt Developments Plc share price is 612.25p.

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