The outgoing CEO of Barratt Redrow plc is to join the board of online property portal Rightmove plc.
David Thomas has been the group chief executive of Barratt Redrow plc, the UK’s largest housebuilder, since 2015, having joined Barratt as group finance director in 2009.
He led Barratt through its £2.5 billion merger with Redrow in 2024, and announced his retirement as group CEO in March 2026, stepping down from the role today but remaining with the business in an advisory capacity until March 2027.
He will join Rightmove as a non-executive director from the start of next year. Meanwhile Rosemary Leith will also be appointed as a NED from the start of next month then become senior independent director at the beginning of 2027.
Leith is a Fellow, Harvard University’s Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society and previously held board roles at HSBC UK Bank plc – with responsibility for digital – YouGov plc and ICG plc. Currently a member of the board of Proton AG, based in Geneva, her earlier executive career included private equity and digital content, having co-founded the World Wide Web Foundation in 2009.
They will each serve on Rightmove’s Audit, Remuneration, Nomination and CSR Committees.
The company also confirmed the retirements of Jacqueline de Rojas, current senior independent director, on 31st December 2026 and of Amit Tiwari, NED, on 30th September 2026.
“We are delighted to welcome Rosemary and David to the Board,” said Andrew Fisher, chair of Rightmove plc. “As Rightmove continues to deliver AI and technology innovation to provide even greater value to our partners and home movers, Rosemary’s deep experience at the frontier of technology and digital governance will be invaluable in helping us maintain our position as a thought leader in this space.
“David brings significant leadership experience of the UK’s largest housebuilders, giving the board first-hand insight into the property industry and customers we serve. Together, their appointments strengthen both the technology and sector expertise of our board as we continue to execute our strategy.
“I would also like to thank Jacqueline de Rojas and Amit Tiwari for their significant contributions to the board throughout their tenures and to the success of Rightmove.”
Leith said: “Rightmove has built a market-leading platform through a strong focus on innovation and delivering value for its customers and consumers.
“I am excited to be joining the board at such a critical time for technology and digital innovation, and I look forward to working with the board and management team to support the company’s continued growth and long-term success.”
Thomas said: “I am delighted to be joining the board of Rightmove. Throughout my career in the residential property sector, I have seen first-hand the important role Rightmove plays for consumers, estate agents, and housebuilders.
“I look forward to bringing my industry experience to the board and working with the management team as the business continues to innovate and develop its leading position.”
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