Cala Homes has appointed Adrian Sims as Managing Director of its Thames regional business as the housebuilder looks to expand its development pipeline across Surrey, Berkshire and central Wiltshire.

Sims joins the business with extensive experience in the UK housebuilding sector, having previously held senior leadership positions at Barratt Homes, Linden Homes and Crest Nicholson, where he most recently served as Managing Director for its Southern and Chiltern regions.

His appointment comes as Cala Thames enters a new phase of growth following a period of land acquisitions and planning successes across the South East.

The regional business was restructured in 2025 as part of Cala’s wider expansion plans in England, with the creation of a new Southern division to support future development opportunities.

As Managing Director, Sims will oversee the continued growth of the Thames business, with a focus on strengthening its land pipeline and progressing both short and long-term residential developments.

Regional housing pipeline targets 600 homes by 2028

Cala Thames has set a target of delivering 600 homes across the region by 2028 and has secured a number of significant development opportunities.

The business recently exchanged contracts to acquire Chippings Farm in Cobham, a grey belt site with the potential to deliver around 550 homes.

A further land acquisition at West Clandon could provide up to 200 new homes, while outline planning permission has been secured for the Elizabeth Quarter development in Maidenhead, where up to 1,500 homes are planned. Reserved Matters applications for the first 200 homes are expected to be submitted later this year.

Adrian Sims said: “I’m delighted to be joining Cala Thames at an important stage in the region’s development. The business has established a strong platform for growth through its land and planning activity, and I look forward to building on that progress.”

Strategic appointment supports South East expansion

Tom Nicholson, Chief Executive at Cala, said Sims’ appointment would support the company’s ambitions for further growth across the South East.

He said: “Adrian brings significant experience from across the housebuilding sector and has extensive knowledge of the local market. His appointment will help the Thames business continue to build on its recent achievements and support our long-term growth plans.”

The appointment reflects continued investment by major housebuilders in regional leadership as the sector seeks to strengthen development pipelines and increase housing delivery in key growth locations.

With a series of strategic land acquisitions and planning approvals already in place, Cala Thames is expected to play a significant role in the company’s future housing output across Surrey, Berkshire and central Wiltshire.