HomeServe CFO handed digital responsibility with COO role

THE GROUP CFO of home repairs company HomeServe has been appointed group chief operating officer, as the business looks to ensure high levels of operational effectiveness as it enters a period of growth.

As group chief operating officer, former group CFO Jonathan Ford will now “lead the development and implementation of plans to deliver the group’s operating objectives”, as well as share best practice and maximise the returns from the group’s investments in new systems and technology.

As part of the new role, Ford, who was involved in a C-Suite shake up in 2013, will also take responsibility for the digital hub and for the group’s developing business in Italy.

Substantial growth

Ford will continue to be a member of the HomeServe’s executive committee and board, while David Bower, currently group finance director, will be appointed as interim CFO. Ford has also stepped down as a non-executive director of Lakehouse with immediate effect, to allow him to focus on his new HomeServe responsibilities.

Commenting on his appointment, Ford said: “HomeServe has grown substantially in the four years since I was appointed CFO and our priority is to manage this growth effectively and efficiently, ensuring our customers receive a consistently excellent service across the group.

“I am excited by this new challenge and look forward to playing my part in the next chapter of HomeServe’s continued success.”

Period of expansion

Richard Harpin, CEO of HomeServe, believes that Ford is the right man for the job as HomeServe enters a period of expansion.

“I have never been more excited by the growth opportunities that lie ahead for HomeServe. We have stepped up our US growth with the acquisition of Utility Service Partners. We are investing in digital technology and a number of innovation initiatives and we are looking at the potential to open in new countries. Promoting Johnathan to COO gives us extra management bandwidth to ensure we capitalise on these opportunities.”

Five years ago HomeServe suspended its telesales operations after discovering widespread mis-selling of home protection insurance policies.

The affair has now ended, while the company was buoyed in 2013 when it revealed in its annual accounts that it has set aside £6m to cover the cost of a Financial Conduct Authority investigation into the matter, which was less than originally feared.