Malcolm Harris is to move from chief executive to chairman of Bovis Homes after more than ten years as chief executive, handing over to finance director David Ritchie.

Bovis said yesterday shareholders had been consulted and the process had resulted in a “positive and supportive outcome”.

The “knowledge and expertise” of Harris justified the appointment, the company said.

The chairman designate joined the business in 1974 and became chief executive in 1996.

Tim Melville-Ross, who is chairman at Bovis as well as Royal London and Manganese Bronze, intends to retire in July after 11 years as a director.