Wates Group has announced the appointment of James Saunders as its new Chief People Officer, succeeding Paul Rowan, who will retire at the end of 2025 after more than a decade with the company.

Saunders will officially take up the role on 6 May 2025 and will join the company’s Executive Committee. He will work closely with Rowan during a transitional period to ensure a smooth handover.


He joins Wates from Highbourne Group, a leading plumbing, heating, and renewable energy firm, where he served as Chief People & Culture Officer. His previous experience includes senior HR roles at major organisations such as Vodafone and Nationwide.

CEO Eoghan O’Lionaird said: "James is an energetic and agile leader with a passion for creating open, collaborative, purpose-driven cultures where people care deeply about delivering for customers and creating value for society. These attributes are all highly prized at Wates Group, and we look forward to welcoming him."

Paul Rowan has served as Wates Group's HR Director and a member of the Executive Committee since August 2014. He will remain with the business until the end of the year to support the leadership transition.