Countrywide CFO Jim Clarke to step down

Countrywide's chief financial officer Jim Clarke plans to step down from the board on 31 July and retire at the end of the year after more than 10 years at the company.

He will be succeeded by Himanshu Raja who will join the board on 12 June and take up the role of CFO on 1 August following the company's full-year results.

The group said a full transition plan is in place, including applications for all necessary approvals, along with a substantial period for a smooth handover. It said Himanshu has wide CFO experience, having most recently served in that role and as executive director at G4S.

Chief executive Alison Platt said: "I am delighted to welcome Himanshu to Countrywide. His skills, knowledge and experience are a perfect fit for the group and will be invaluable as we continue to build our future.

"Jim has been a stalwart in the Countrywide group for over 10 years and leaves the business in a strong position to build for its future in the coming years. I have really enjoyed working closely with Jim, and will continue to do so as he hands over to his successor."