UK property developer Godwin Developments has announced the immediate promotions of development director Matt Chandler to the position of managing director and Catherine Hems to the role of associate director, communications and engagement.

A member of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors, Matt joined the company as a development manager and became associate director in 2018 before being promoted to development director in September 2020. Prior to his role in Godwin, he gained a range of experience in the real estate industry working as a quantity surveyor, project manager and development manager within consultancies and developers.

Throughout his career, Matt has led the development of varied projects ranging from high-end residential, commercial, and mixed-use schemes, and is skilled at all stages of the development process. Most recently he worked on the company's 783-bed student scheme in Nottingham, from site acquisition through to full planning permission being secured in just over a year.


As managing director for Godwin Developments, he will focus on delivering the company's ambitious growth plans across its residential, commercial, and industrial pipeline. The business' London and Nottingham teams will report into Matt and he will continue to be based in the company's Birmingham head office.

Catherine Hems, who joined the business as senior communications manager from a London PR agency, has also been promoted to associate director, communications and engagement. In addition to her media relations remit, Catherine will lead on all stakeholder management activity for the business as a whole and for the individual schemes Godwin is delivering across the country. She will continue to play a significant role in creating and delivering the strategic communications of Godwin Developments.

The co-founders and directors of Godwin Developments, Stephen and Stuart Pratt, said: "The executive board felt that Matt's development knowledge and experience, combined with his drive and leadership qualities, made him the right person to help build on Godwin's past success and be at the forefront of delivering an exciting future for the business as managing director.

"Since arriving at the business in the spring, Catherine has built a solid understanding of the industry and demonstrated her outstanding communications capabilities. She has continually brought new perspectives and ideas to the table which have played an important role in building the reputation of our business.

"We wish them both every success in their new roles and look forward to continuing to work closely to take the business to the next level."