18 Dec 2025
Backhouse Housing, a leading housebuilder in southwest England, has announced a series of senior management appointments following the planned departure of Chief Executive Officer Ian Jones at the beginning of January 2026. These changes mark the next phase of the company's growth strategy, building on the strong foundations established under Ian's leadership over the past five years.
During his tenure, together with his team, Ian has played a pivotal role in strengthening Backhouse's performance and operations. Joining the business in 2020 from Persimmon, where he served as Divisional Finance Director for the Southern group of businesses, Ian brought significant financial and strategic expertise. Leading and implementing strategic direction, he has since overseen a period of steady growth and the successful delivery of several developments across the Cotswolds, Wiltshire and the southwest. Ian has also been instrumental in helping the company deliver on its vision to create well-designed homes for modern lifestyles.
From January 2026, Michelle Hyde will take on the role of Managing Director and has been appointed a director of Backhouse Housing Limited. She will have overall responsibility for delivering the company's strategic plan and ensuring the highest standards of quality, sustainability and commercial performance. Michelle brings nearly 30 years of residential development experience and joined Backhouse in 2022 as Development Director.
Richard Castle, Chief Financial Officer, has been appointed an executive director of Backhouse Housing Limited. A chartered accountant with extensive experience across blue-chip companies and SMEs, Richard will continue to lead Backhouse's financial strategy and operations.
Adam Marks will be promoted to Operations Director. Since joining Backhouse two years ago, Adam has driven significant improvements across technical and commercial functions, strengthening the operational platform of the business. In his expanded role, he will take on leadership of the Land and Planning functions.
Matthew Bishop will be promoted to Construction Director. With more than 18 years' experience in the southwest construction industry, Matt has delivered meaningful improvements across Backhouse's build operations, from build quality to health and safety standards, and continues to oversee delivery across all live sites.
Departing CEO, Ian Jones said: “It has been a privilege to lead Backhouse over the past five years. I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved together, from strengthening our financial and operational foundations to delivering developments that truly reflect the Backhouse commitment to thoughtful design and exceptional homes and communities for our customers. None of this would have been possible without the hard work, professionalism and passion of the entire Backhouse team. As I step away, I do so with full confidence in Michelle, Richard, and the wider leadership group to guide the company into its next successful chapter. I want to thank everyone at Backhouse, our partners and our customers for their support during my time here.”
Chairman of Backhouse, Anthony Henry-Lyons commented: “We are extremely grateful to Ian for his leadership and the positive legacy he leaves. These new changes to our senior management team, together with the continued input and support of the Board, put Backhouse in a strong position to continue our growth trajectory.”
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About Backhouse:
Backhouse is an innovative British housebuilder delivering new homes of outstanding design quality, which respond to the needs of today's contemporary lifestyles. Backhouse is levelling up choice in the new homes market through better designed, sensibly priced, interesting homes providing smart living solutions.