News
17/07/2020
Highwood appoints Steve Matthews as new Managing Director
Guy Hayward, who has steered Highwood so successfully as Managing Director, has formally announced his retirement following the conclusion of his five-year commitment to the Board. Guy’s direction has been integral to the growth of Highwood in recent years and we’re delighted he will continue to support our endeavours in new ways, with emphasis on business development, as he takes on the role of ‘Ambassador’ for the Group. Steve Matthews, Highwood Construction Director, has been duly appointed to take over Guy’s role as Managing Director.
‘Naturally we’re sad to see Guy leave us’, revealed Nigel Meek, Founding Director and CEO of Highwood. ‘He’s been hugely instrumental in Highwood’s growth and achievements in recent years, but his plans to retire following a five-year tenure as Managing Director remained firm. On behalf of the Highwood Board, we’d like to thank him for his incredible efforts, wish him all the very best for his retirement and welcome his participation in our activities in his new role as Highwood Ambassador.
‘We’re now very excited to congratulate Steve on his promotion to Managing Director,’ he continued. ‘His tenacity and experience of this highly competitive sector makes him a perfect fit for his new role and will undoubtedly stand us in good stead as he takes the helm of our visionary strategic plan.’
Joining Highwood in 2004 as Project Manager and overseeing our major social housing developments, Steve Matthews has risen through the ranks, having been appointed Construction Director in 2014. His operational experience has seen him play a key role in the ongoing implementation of Highwood’s ambitious business development programme.
The Highwood brand of award-winning strategic development
‘Naturally I’m delighted the shareholders have chosen to give me this opportunity,’ Steve responded. ‘Having spent so many years with Highwood, it’s an honour to take on this exciting role and to be in a position to shape the organisation’s future and guide us through a particularly challenging period in our history. We’ve achieved so much in recent years thanks to a raft of high-profile schemes and I’m now looking forward to continuing to progress the Highwood brand of award-winning strategic development over the coming years.’
In addition to Steve’s appointment, Phil Prosser has been named Business Development Director. Phil joined Highwood in 2008 as a trainee Quantity Surveyor; he will now continue to exploit new business opportunities for the organisation, including the arrangement of turnkey developments for our client partners.