<p>Rowan Baker, chief financial officer of McCarthy &amp; Stone, is to leave the business to join Laing O’Rourke.</p><p><span>Baker, who joined the retirement giant in 2012, will leave her post and also step down as a director of the company on July 31, following McStone’s year end results on July 15. She will join construction company Laing O’Rourke as cfo.</span></p><p>Martin Abell will replace Baker as cfo designate on May 26, becoming cfo on August 1 following Baker’s departure to ensure a “smooth handover”. </p><p>Abell was most recently cfo of pharmaceutical and services company Clinigen Group. Previously he was finance director (Europe and Rest of World division) for professional recruitment company Hays.</p><p>Baker was appointed to the board in January 2017, playing a key role in the company’s float on the stock exchange and developing and delivering McStone’s new strategy.</p><p>Chief executive John Tonkiss, said: "On behalf of the board, I would like to thank Rowan for her huge contribution over the past eight years. Personally, I am extremely grateful for her guidance and support, particularly since she took on the role as cfo, and we wish her the very best with her new position.</p><p>“I am also pleased to welcome Martin to the company. …