Cala Homes has announced the appointment of Alex Richards as Managing Director of its Chiltern business. In his new role Alex will lead the delivery of the region’s strategic growth plan, overseeing its continued progression and development of a robust pipeline of sites across Oxfordshire, the Cotswolds and the West Midlands.
Alex brings significant industry experience to the role, joining Cala from Taylor Wimpey, where he served as Managing Director of its South Thames and North Thames businesses. Having begun his career in site management, giving him a valuable operational perspective, he progressed to hold senior leadership roles at major housebuilders including Kier Homes and David Wilson Homes.
Cala’s Chiltern business will have 9 live developments by the end of 2026, with new launches at Edmund Park in Kings Langley, Hertfordshire (135 homes), Bliss Willows in Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire (86 homes) and Millstone Green, Fairford (98 homes).
The Chiltern team has a strong track record in delivering successful planning outcomes across the region with 812 new homes consented in 2025. In the latter part of the year, Reserved Matters consent was secured for over 200 new homes across two sites in St Albans as well as a 98-home development in the Cotswolds. Construction has begun on Phase 6 of Nobel Park in Oxfordshire, taking the total number of high-quality new homes at the development to over 600.
Alex Richards, Managing Director of Cala Homes (Chiltern), said:
“Following a string of successful applications across Hertfordshire, Gloucestershire and Warwickshire, we’re looking to continue the momentum in 2026. Our dedicated land and planning team is actively seeking short-term and strategic land opportunities, with or without planning permission, as we play our part in meeting the need for more quality homes in our region.
“Cala has an excellent reputation for design, quality, and customer service, and I look forward to working with our talented team to build on the strong foundations already in place and drive the next phase of growth for the business.”
Alex joins Cala as the business opens its new 15,365 sq ft headquarters in Bourne End, Buckinghamshire, designed to provide a dynamic, flexible and collaborative environment for the Chiltern team.
Alex succeeds John Allan, who has retired after a distinguished career at Cala.