The Berkeley Group, creators of high quality developments, has announced Tony Pidgley is to become its new Chairman.

Victoria Mitchell will step down as Chairman and become deputy Chairman and an independent non executive director of the Group from the date of the Annual General Meeting on 9 September 2009.

Ms Mitchell said: "As Chairman, I am delighted to announce the implementation of a succession plan which will secure the evolution of the Board of Berkeley. The results announced today show that Berkeley is in tremendous shape. This is a testament to Tony Pidgley's outstanding contribution as Group Managing Director for the last 33 years. The decision to appoint Tony Pidgley as Chairman from his current role as Group Managing Director takes into consideration the value to the Group of Tony's extensive experience and pre-eminent standing in the industry together with his understanding of the Group's culture and knowledge of the sector. The continuing and full time commitment of Tony to Berkeley is welcomed and will allow the business to deliver its repositioned strategy announced in February. The Board have also taken into consideration the need for the Chairman and Group Managing Director to be able to work closely and effectively and in Rob Perrins, the Board has both an outstanding and natural successor to Tony as Group Managing Director."


(CD/JM)