Tilia Eastern builds on success with new MD

Bedford-based Tilia Homes Eastern has appointed Gareth Jacob as regional managing director with responsibility for the significant expansion of the company’s operations across the East of England.

Gareth has a strong track record in the new homes sector with 25 years’ experience in the industry including director-level roles at Linden Homes, Taylor Wimpey and Hadley Property Group. Prior to joining Tilia, he was tasked with setting up a new division for Countryside Partnerships covering the Oxford to Cambridge Arc, and whilst managing director of Taylor Wimpey South Midlands he built on an already successful division, delivering over 900 units a year to become one of the company’s most successful regions.

Tilia Homes was created in June 2021 following the acquisition of Kier Living from Kier Group by private equity firm Terra Firma. Its Eastern region, which covers Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, Oxfordshire and Northants, employs 110 people and delivered nearly 450 homes in its last financial year. The region has plans to increase output to 650 homes per annum within three years.

Nigel Greenaway, Tilia Homes’ chief executive, comments: “Gareth is a valuable addition to our leadership team, and I am delighted to have him on board. He brings with him a wealth of experience in senior industry roles and has expertise across the wide range of disciplines involved in running a successful regional business. He also has proven success in growing regional operations which will be key as we deliver significant growth for Tilia over the next five years.”

Gareth Jacob comments: “This is an exciting opportunity to join a company which is in its infancy as an independent business with the potential for significant expansion. My focus will be on sustainable growth, working with the team to identify and secure the right development opportunities for Tilia across our region. We want to build a business with clear direction that supports staff development and create a brand that is synonymous with quality homes and great customer service.”