<p>Iain McPherson, Countryside’s ceo, has left the business with immediate effect, with the company also reporting first quarter trading “below the board’s expectations”.</p> <p>Partnerships housebuilder Countryside said McPherson’s departure had been reached “through mutual agreement”. He steps down after two years of heading the business.</p> <p>During the three months to December 31 2021, the firm’s performance faltered against the equivalent period the previous year. During the quarter, group completions dropped to 809 from 1,280. Adjusted group revenue fell 31% to £249.8 million, with group adjusted operating profit collapsing 55% to <span>£16.5 million.</span></p> <p>Countryside stated that chair John Martin, who will act as interim ceo while the search for a new boss takes place, would undertake a review of each of the firm’s schemes across every region “to ensure that each site is being developed in accordance with the plans set out during the investment process”. </p> <p>The business expects to update the market on the review’s progress in eight to ten weeks.</p> <p>In other board changes, Countryside has appointed Peter Lee as non-executive director; he will take his position from January 21. He is a partner at Browning West, a significant shareholder of Countryside. </p> <p>According to reports in December …