One of Britain's largest developers has appointed an Operations Director for its South West division.

Darren Dancey joined the company in April and will work with the divisional chairman and the managing directors of the regional businesses to enhance performance and grow Persimmon's presence across the South West.

Darren joins the five-star housebuilder from Places for People, where he was South West Managing Director. 

He has vast experience in the industry including with Countryside Partnerships PLC, where he was South West Managing Director, and prior to that Crest Nicholson as South West & Midlands Managing Director.

Persimmon has a number of sites in the South West from Helston in Cornwall and Taunton in Somerset to Didcot in Oxfordshire and Wotton-under-Edge in Stroud.

Darren Dancey, new Operations Director for Persimmon South West said: "I am delighted to have joined Persimmon in this new role and look forward to getting my teeth stuck into major projects from Cornwall to Oxfordshire.

"Persimmon's mission of leaving a positive and lasting legacy where it builds is one that I share, and I look forward to bringing my skills to the table to achieve that."

Julian Roper, chair of Persimmon in the South West, said: "Darren has a great amount of experience at a high level in the housebuilding industry and we're delighted to have him on board.

"We have a number of exciting, strategic sites across the South West and I know Darren will bring a wealth of expertise to help Persimmon meets its goals of delivering much-needed new homes for local people."