Malcom Harris will be replaced by current finance director David Ritchie in July 2008

Bovis Homes chief executive Malcom Harris is to retire from the post next summer, the company has announced.

Harris, who has been at the helm for 12 years, will become non-executive chairman from July 2008 in place of Tim Melville-Ross, who will retire from the board.

David Ritchie, who was appointed group managing director in January this year, will take over as chief executive next July. Prior to becoming managing director, 38-year-old Ritchie was finance director of the company.

The changes are part of a management shake up at the company, which will see the position of group managing director abandoned. Ritchie, as chief executive, will instead be supported by newly created regional chairmen.

Harris said: 鈥淚 am pleased to be handing the role of chief executive over to an able and respected colleague who has significant capabilities and has made a strong contribution towards the Group鈥檚 success to date and, looking forward, I am confident that the business will expand and prosper under his leadership.鈥�

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