Barratt chief financial officer Neil Cooper exits firm

Mr Cooper joined the housebuilder in June 2015 from bookmaker William Hill, having previously been group finance director of Bovis Homes from 2007 until 2010. He also previously worked with Whitbread, Reckitt & Colman and PwC.

Chief executive David Thomas, who previously held the role of CFO at Barratt for six years, will take temporary responsibility for the post, supported by group financial controller Philip Schumacher and housebuilding financial controller John Flynn.

Deputy chief executive and chief operating officer Steven Boyes will also support Mr Thomas in his role.

The firm announced it would launch a search for a new chief financial officer and would make a further announcement in due course.

Barratt chairman John Allan said: “On behalf of the board, I would like to thank Neil for his contribution during his time with us and we wish him well for the future.”

Mr Cooper added: “I wish David and the team all the best for the future and would like to thank the board for the opportunity to work with Barratt over the past year.”

The firm posted a pre-tax profit of £315m for the six months to 31 December 2016, and said it was on track to achieve its full-year projections.