Urban Splash forms a new executive board to lead the creation of thousands of new homes
Award winning regeneration company Urban Splash has formed a new executive board – with six colleagues appointed to take forward projects that will create 4,500 new homes and 500,000 sq ft of commercial space over the next five years.
The executive board will oversee all aspects of financial performance, strategic business planning, governance and decision-making across Urban Splash, helping the company as it progresses new neighbourhoods in Windermere, Milton Keynes, Swansea, Birmingham, Sheffield and Manchester and growing its commercial portfolio of offices, retail and leisure space. It is led by Julian Curnuck who took on the role of CEO at Urban Splash last year following almost two decades at the Manchester-based business as CFO.
Julian is joined by company secretary Kim Essop and director of finance, Sarah Battye, both seasoned Urban Splash colleagues each with over 15 years of dedicated service to the business.
Managing director – development and residential, Guy Ackernley, and finance director - development, Ben Thatcher, bring their wealth of experience to the board alongside director of the future, Suzy Jones. Suzy is the most recent addition to the Urban Splash team; a former director at the Royal Institute for British Architects, she joined Urban Splash in 2023 to bring greater foresight and innovation to drive the purpose-led ambition of the business and develop the strategic framework necessary to support it.
Speaking of the newly formed board, CEO Julian Curnuck said: "I am delighted to introduce this board of brilliant men and women. Their ambition, talent, and inspiration make them invaluable colleagues to work alongside, and I look forward to collaborating as we grow our business."
In 2023, Urban Splash marked its 30th year in business, commemorating three decades of placemaking and urban regeneration. The executive board is poised to now navigate the company into a new era, Julian added: "Last year's celebration of our 30th year in business was a pivotal moment for us and an opportunity to both reflect on our past achievements and harness the wealth of experience gained as we chart our course for the future.
“The challenges and opportunities of the next 30 years will be very different. What people want and need from their homes, neighbourhoods and places of work and leisure, are already very different and will continue to change in line with our evolving climate and society. Our Executive Board members have the relevant skills, knowledge and experience to help Urban Splash respond to and thrive in this landscape of change – continuing as we always have to use great design to leave this place not less but greater, better and more beautiful than it was left to us.”
The board will continue to work alongside co-founders Tom Bloxham MBE and Jonathan Falkingham MBE, as well as shareholders Simon Gawthorpe and Nathan Cornish.
