<p><span class="de"><span>Countryside has appointed John Martin as its new chair.</span></span></p><p><span>Martin, who joins the board as chair designate, will succeed current chair David Howell on May 1. </span></p><p><span>Martin is former ceo of plumbing and heating company Ferguson, serving more than nine years at the business until November 2019. Prior to being boss of the company, he was group chief financial officer. </span></p><p><span>Countryside said that during Martin’s time at Ferguson, the business was “significantly simplified and strengthened”, notably improving its market positions.</span></p><p><span>Previously to Ferguson, Martin, who is a chartered accountant, was a partner at private equity group Alchemy Partners. Before this, he was cfo of Travelex and Hays. Countryside said that Martin brought “extensive leadership and capital allocation experience in operations, finance, and capital markets” to his new role.</span></p><p><span>Howell will step down from the board on April 30. His intended departure was announced in December following reported shareholder pressure, with the company also confirming its plan to separate its Housebuilding business from Partnerships. </span></p><p><span>Douglas Hurt, Countryside’s senior independent director, said today (April 13): "On behalf of the board, I would like to thank David Howell for the contribution he has made to Countryside over the past seven years. He led the company …