Cambridge-based property developer and investor Howard Group has announced that Group Finance Director Huw Jones is to retire from his position after six years with the company.
Huw joined Howard Group as Group Finance Director in September 2014. Prior to joining the Company, Huw worked for JP Morgan in London where he established their Private Equity and Real Estate Fund service business in Europe. An experienced chartered accountant, Huw has worked within both large businesses and smaller early stage technology companies. Huw spent 13 years with PWC working on M&A work in their Cambridge office and is a graduate of Cambridge University.
After an extensive search for Huw’s replacement, Howard Group is pleased to name Rick Meakin, currently the Group Financial Controller for Derwent London plc, a FTSE250 property investment and development business, as the new Group Finance Director, effective 2 November.
Rick has more than fifteen years’ experience operating in the real estate sector with an impressive track record of delivering consistent high-quality performance. He has been at Derwent London for the past eight years, and prior to this Rick’s career has included property finance roles at Aviva Investors and Chelsfield PLC. He is a Chartered Accountant and trained at KPMG. Rick and his family live in Cambridge.
While Huw will support Rick during the transition process, Howard Group will continue to benefit from Huw’s significant experience across both finance and corporate venturing as a Consultant, with a particular focus on the continued development of Howard Capital into next year.
Nicholas Bewes, Chief Executive, Howard Group said: “I am delighted to be welcoming Rick to our team over the coming months. He brings with him a wealth of experience and knowledge gained from one of the most highly regarded property firms in the country. I am also pleased that Huw will still remain involved in our business as we continue to pursue our Howard Capital strategy and invest in early stage technology businesses. Over the past six years, Huw has been a highly valued member of the senior management team as we have grown the business, both in scale and reputation.”
Huw Jones commented: “I have very much enjoyed my time at Howard Group and I am proud of the great progress we have made over the last six years. I am delighted that Rick is joining us to continue this growth and development. I am pleased that I will continue to be involved in the Group’s programme of investing in innovative and entrepreneurial businesses.”
Rick Meakin added: “I’m excited to be joining Howard Group and look forward to working with Nicholas and the team to build on the success that the Group has enjoyed, evidenced by its well-placed portfolio and track record of delivering high quality schemes.”
