Kelvin Ryan heads east

Former BGC Residential chief executive Kelvin Ryan has been appointed managing director of Melbourne-based building company Simonds Group.

Mr Ryan resigned from BGC Residential in October after eight years at the helm.

Simonds Group chair Iain Kirkwood said the company was delighted with the appointment.

“He has a very strong track record in the building industry,” he said

“His knowledge of volume home building and his experience as a senior executive in complex and challenging environments will provide the company with a solid platform for strong, profitable growth and expansion.”

Mr Ryan was previously the Housing Industry Association vice-president from 2011 until 2014.

“I am excited to take up this opportunity at Simonds and look forward to working with all stakeholders and building strong, profitable growth,” Mr Ryan said.

In 2015, Simonds Group appeared set to purchase Western Australian home builder Gemmil Homes for $6 million.

However, the Melbourne-based company did not exercise its call option after completing due diligence.

Shares in Simonds finished up 1.5 per cent at 34 cents each.