HomeServe promotes CFO Johnathan Ford to new position of COO

FTSE 250 home insurance and repairs company HomeServe has promoted Johnathan Ford from the role of chief financial officer to the new position of group chief operating officer.

In his new role, Ford will provide focus and support to all of HomeServe's businesses and lead the development and implementation of plans to deliver operating objectives across the group, share best practice and maximise the returns from investments in new systems and technology. He will also take responsibility for the digital hub and for the business in Italy.

Meanwhile, current group finance director David Bower will be appointed as interim CFO.

Chief executive Richard Harpin said: "I have never been more excited by the growth opportunities that lie ahead for HomeServe. We have stepped up our US growth with the acquisition of Utility Service Partners. We are investing in digital technology and a number of innovation initiatives and we are looking at the potential to open in new countries. Promoting Johnathan to COO gives us extra management bandwidth to ensure we capitalise on these opportunities"

Ford said: "HomeServe has grown substantially in the four years since I was appointed CFO and our priority is to manage this growth effectively and efficiently, ensuring our customers receive a consistently excellent service across the group. I am excited by this new challenge and look forward to playing my part in the next chapter of HomeServe's continued success."

Given the nature and scale of his new role, Ford has decided to reduce his other commitments and will be stepping down as a non-executive director of Lakehouse with immediate effect.