Persimmon Appoints New Regional Commercial Director
Persimmon Homes, one of the UK’s leading housebuilders, has officially announced the promotion of Andrew Liddle to the position of Regional Commercial Director, a role that will see him take on responsibility for all commercial operations across Scotland and North West England. This move marks a significant milestone in both Andrew’s career and the company’s ongoing strategy to strengthen its leadership team in key markets.
A New Leadership Role Covering Five Regions
In his new role, Andrew will oversee commercial functions across five distinct regional businesses:
- East Scotland
- North Scotland
- West Scotland
- North West
- Lancashire
Collectively, these five operating divisions represent a major part of Persimmon’s activities, spanning a wide geographical footprint and encompassing dozens of active residential developments. Andrew will report directly to John Roocroft, Regional Chairman for Scotland and North West England, while working hand in hand with the local managing directors and commercial teams to maintain strong financial performance and operational consistency across the region.
Background and Career Development
Originally from Motherwell, Andrew brings with him more than 20 years of experience in the housebuilding and construction sector. His career has been shaped by a steady progression through various commercial roles, building deep expertise in cost management, procurement, and project delivery.
Andrew first joined Persimmon Homes West Scotland in 2018 as part of its commercial team. Over the years, he demonstrated strong leadership, technical knowledge, and the ability to balance commercial discipline with a customer-first approach. Most recently, he served as Chief Surveyor for Persimmon West Scotland, where he played a key role in overseeing financial controls, managing subcontractor relationships, and supporting the delivery of high-quality homes in the region. His promotion reflects both his track record of achievement and Persimmon’s commitment to developing talent from within.
Key Responsibilities as Regional Commercial Director
The role of Regional Commercial Director is central to Persimmon’s business strategy, given the scale of the developments under Andrew’s remit. His responsibilities will span the full commercial lifecycle of projects, including:
- Cost Management: Ensuring developments remain financially viable by monitoring expenditure, managing budgets, and identifying efficiencies across all five operating businesses.
- Procurement: Overseeing the sourcing of materials, negotiating with suppliers, and establishing strong, long-term relationships with subcontractors and contractors.
- Commercial Strategy: Developing and implementing strategies that align with Persimmon’s broader corporate goals, particularly around affordability, sustainability, and quality.
- Land Viability Assessments: Evaluating potential land purchases to ensure commercial soundness and supporting decision-making around new development opportunities.
- Financial Forecasting: Providing accurate forecasts and analysis to support strategic planning and ensure each regional business maintains healthy margins and growth potential.
- Contractor Relationships: Building strong working partnerships with suppliers and subcontractors, ensuring projects are delivered on time, to specification, and within budget.
This scope of responsibility means that Andrew will play a pivotal role in balancing commercial discipline with Persimmon’s mission to deliver homes that meet the needs of customers and communities.
A Focus on Quality and Affordability
Persimmon has built its reputation on delivering high-quality, affordable, and energy-efficient homes. With government targets for housing delivery and growing customer expectations for sustainable living, the commercial function has never been more important. Andrew’s leadership will be central to ensuring that Persimmon continues to deliver homes that are not only accessible to buyers but also environmentally responsible.
The company has made significant strides in integrating modern building practices, improving energy efficiency in its homes, and ensuring cost-effective procurement strategies that keep housing within reach for families across the UK. Under Andrew’s leadership, these efforts are expected to be reinforced and expanded across Scotland and the North West.
Statement from Andrew Liddle
Speaking about his promotion, Andrew expressed both pride and enthusiasm for the new role:
“It’s a real privilege to take on this role and support five fantastic regional businesses. I’m proud to be part of a company delivering real value to communities, and I look forward to helping ensure we maintain strong commercial discipline while building great homes across Scotland and North West England.”
His comments reflect not only his professional ambitions but also his personal commitment to contributing positively to communities through the delivery of high-quality housing.
Statement from Regional Chairman John Roocroft
John Roocroft, Regional Chair for Scotland and North West England, praised Andrew’s appointment, highlighting the experience and insight he brings to the role: Andrew’s promotion is well deserved and reflects the dedication and expertise he has brought to Persimmon over the last six years. His commercial insight and leadership will be vital as we continue to grow our presence and deliver for customers and communities across the region.”
Roocroft’s endorsement underlines the strategic importance of this appointment and the confidence Persimmon has in Andrew’s ability to help steer the region toward continued growth.
A Milestone Date
Andrew will formally assume his new role as Regional Commercial Director on 1st October, marking the beginning of what promises to be a significant chapter in his career with Persimmon Homes. The timing is particularly relevant as the company continues to navigate an evolving housing market, balancing demand for new homes with rising costs, supply chain challenges, and the push for greater sustainability.
Persimmon’s Broader Strategy
This appointment also reflects Persimmon’s wider approach to strengthening its leadership across the UK. By promoting from within, the company ensures continuity, retains corporate knowledge, and rewards loyalty and performance.
In addition, Persimmon is focusing on improving customer satisfaction, modernising construction methods, and embedding sustainability at the core of its developments. Leaders like Andrew Liddle play a crucial role in bringing these priorities to life, ensuring that commercial strategies support long-term growth while meeting the expectations of both homebuyers and regulators.
