Edinburgh-based upmarket home builder Cala Group (Holdings) Ltd announced the appointment of Ian Sutcliffe as non-executive chairman, effective immediately.

The company also announced the appointment of Tom Nicholson as non-executive director.

Cala Group was acquired last year from Legal & General Group Plc by investment firm Sixth Street Partners and Patron Capital, a pan-European institutional investor focused on property-backed investments.

The sale had an enterprise value of about £1.35 billion.

“Ian Sutcliffe brings a wealth of experience to Cala, having served as Non-Executive Chairman of Sigma Capital Group since 2020,” said Cala Group.

“His extensive background in the housebuilding industry includes his role as Group Chief Executive of Countryside Properties Plc until 2020.

“Ian has also held significant leadership positions as Chief Operating Officer for the UK arm of SECRO plc and UK Chief Executive of Taylor Wimpey plc.

“Tom Nicholson is a seasoned executive in the housebuilding sector with over 35 years industry experience, having previously served as Chief Operating Officer at Crest Nicholson Plc, Divisional Chairman at Linden Homes, as well as other positions at Galliford Try, Berkeley Homes and Trafalgar House.”

Cala Group CEO Kevin Whitaker said: “I am delighted to welcome Ian and Tom to the Cala board. Their broad-ranging board experience and extensive leadership background in business and the housebuilding sector will be invaluable as we enter this next phase of growth.”

Sutcliffe said: “It is an exciting time to be joining Cala following the acquisition by Sixth Street and Patron Capital. Cala has a strong track record of sustainable growth, with a well-established reputation for high-quality homes and five-star customer service.”

Nicholson said: “Cala stands apart, both in its ability to deliver high quality, sustainable new homes and its commitment to its people.”

Giulio Passanisi, Partner and Head of European Real Estate at Sixth Street, said: “We are pleased to welcome Ian and Tom to Cala’s already deep bench of leadership and we look forward to working with them on the company’s board.

“As Cala continues to execute on its growth plans, their deep expertise in real estate and homebuilding will strengthen Cala’s position as one of the UK’s leading housebuilders.”

Keith Breslauer, Managing Director and Founder of Patron Capital, said: “Ian and Tom bring valuable experience to Cala’s board as they have both held multiple successful leadership positions in the UK housebuilding industry. They will play an important role in delivering Cala’s expansion strategy with a focus on delivering high quality homes while maintaining operational excellence.”