The announcement underlines its long-standing commitment to developing people from within and creating clear progression routes for colleagues.
The promotions see David Gough, James Duffett, Stuart Penn and Anthony Vagges step up into higher wider leadership roles reflecting the business’s long-standing commitment to develop people from within and create clear progression routes as Lovell continues to support its staff.
It comes as Lovell showcases sustained growth after the past few years, including moving into an additional three regions - East Midlands, North East and Regeneration North - and the creation of two new business brands - Lovell Strategic Land and Lovell Renew.
That growth means Managing Director South/Divisional Commercial Manager David Gough has been promoted to a newly-created role of Managing Director of Operations and Commercial, continuing to sit on the Lovell board and now acting as deputy to Managing Director Steve Coleby as appropriate.
He has more than 30 years of experience in the residential sector, having joined Lovell in August 1999 as a Quantity Surveyor. He has started his new role immediately.
Part of his former role as Managing Director South will be taken up by James Duffett from the start of 2026. He joined Lovell in April 2019 as Regional Managing Director South Wales and West, helping the business become a partner of choice across the area and leading on a landmark collaboration delivering a transformative housing scheme with Cardiff Council and Vale of Glamorgan Council.
Duffett will now oversee the South-Wales & West, South-West, Southern, and London regions. His role as Regional Managing Director South Wales and West will be taken up by Anthony Vagges, who has also worked for Lovell for 28 years, joining in July 1997 as an Assistant Estimator.
Also starting a new expanded role in the new year is Stuart Penn, who began as a Management Trainee at Lovell in 1997, straight out of college and has worked his way up. Stuart will be the new Managing Director Central, responsible for the Midlands, East Midlands, East Anglia and standalone business Renew Central, which brings together refurbishment, planned maintenance and retrofit services.
Lovell has become the partner of choice in the sector across the Midlands, most recently demonstrated by its selection as the preferred developer for the Druids Heath regeneration scheme in a strategic partnership with Birmingham City Council.
Lovell Managing Director, Steve Coleby, said: “Being able to promote from within for these four crucial roles is testament to the strength and depth of talent across our organisation.
“Many of our senior leaders began their careers here, and their progression reflects the culture we’ve built – one where people can grow with the business and shape its direction.
“These appointments come at a time of significant growth and ambition across our regions. With this strengthened leadership team in place, we’re well positioned for the next phase of our journey.”
