Countryside appoints Merseyside and Cheshire West MD 

Gemma Hardy has been promoted, taking over from Ian Hilliker, who has joined Persimmon Homes. 

Hardy, who previously spent almost 12 years in sales at Jones Homes, has taken on the role of managing director for Merseyside and Cheshire at Countryside Partnerships, having been sales director since 2021.  

In her new role, she will lead the integration of the region following Vistry Group’s acquisition of Countryside last year.  

At the same time, she will be working closely with the neighbouring Manchester & Cheshire East region, maximising opportunities across the North West, the company said. 

“I’m really excited to be taking on the leadership in Merseyside & Cheshire West, building on the brilliant work the team has done,” Hardy said.  

“We’re delivering many significant and high-quality mixed-tenure developments for a wide range of clients and partners, and I’m looking forward to building on that and helping to drive housing delivery across the region.” 

Among those schemes are Rivers Edge, a 500-home modular development in Warrington, and Eastbrook Village, an 841-home scheme in Maghull. 

While Hardy takes the reins in Merseyside and Cheshire, Adam Sharpe has been promoted to managing director of South West Midlands. 

Stephen Teagle, chief executive at Countryside Partnerships, said: “Both Gemma and Adam have been with our business for a number of years and promoting them to managing directorships is a testament to the skills they’ve demonstrated over that period. 

“They both have outstanding leadership qualities and a real passion for delivering high-quality new homes in the places they’re needed most. I’m looking forward to seeing both regions continue to play an important role across our wider business.”