UK-based construction company Wates has today announced a new Executive Managing Director of their Residential business.

Phillippa Prongué will take over the position in the new year from Helen Bunch, who is retiring after an esteemed 19 year career at Wates.

Prongué is a well-established and respected leader within her field of work and brings decades of experience from the real estate sector. She joins from Bouygues UK, where she was Managing Director for London and the South East.

Prongué will aim to build on Bunch's previous success since taking up the role in 2020 which included overseeing a 150% growth and a 73% increase in operating profit during her leadership.

Eoghan O'Lionaird, Chief Executive at Wates Group, said: "All of us at Wates are grateful to Helen for her exceptional leadership and contribution to the group.

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"Our Residential business has grown significantly under her stewardship thanks to her drive, determination, and commitment to our purpose of delivering much needed high-quality homes for those that need them most. We will all miss her greatly and wish her the best for her retirement.

"Looking to the future, we are delighted to have Pip come on board to continue this work with her proven track record across the sector that spans many high-profile and large-scale regeneration and residential-led development schemes. 

"Her expertise and knowledge will support us in driving forward our strategy, building on existing partnerships, and realising new opportunities for residential development across the UK."

Meanwhile, Phillippa Prongué said: "It's an exciting time to be joining the Residential business at Wates. It has already seen immense growth under Helen's direction. I look forward to joining a team of talented people whose expertise, ingenuity and diligence has resulted in an exceptional business with a clear purpose, culture and ambition."

Helen Bunch added: "After an incredibly rewarding 19-year career with the Wates Group, I have taken the decision to retire. I am pleased to be handing over to Pip who I know will continue to support the fantastic work that the Residential team is doing to deliver the safe, sustainable and low-carbon buildings and infrastructure the UK needs."

Wates is also in the process of hiring a new Managing Director for its London region and several leadership roles within its development team which will further strengthen and expand the Residential business.