Paul Turner named NHBC CEO to lead renewed focus on quality and sustainability from 2025
The National House Building Council (NHBC) has announced that Paul Turner will assume the role of chief executive officer from 1 September 2025, succeeding Steve Wood, who has led the organisation since 2017 and plans to step down later this year. This leadership transition marks a significant moment for the NHBC, an organisation widely recognized for its commitment to improving the quality of new homes and protecting homeowners across the UK.
Alan Rubenstein, chair of NHBC, expressed strong confidence in Turner’s appointment, highlighting his extensive expertise in the insurance and financial services sectors both in the UK and internationally. Rubenstein noted that Turner’s purpose-driven leadership and successful tenure at Just Group plc position him well to guide NHBC into its next chapter. Paul Turner himself acknowledged NHBC’s pivotal role in the housing sector, stating, “This is a business with a strong sense of purpose – helping to improve the quality of new homes and protecting homeowners. At a time when the quality and sustainability of new housing are more important than ever, I look forward to working with the team to further advance NHBC’s mission.”
Steve Wood reflected on his eight years at the helm with pride, underscoring the significant transformation and progress NHBC has achieved under his stewardship. He expressed confidence that the organisation is well-positioned for the future and that Turner’s leadership would ensure NHBC continues to thrive and evolve in line with its mission.
NHBC is governed by a robust framework that includes an experienced Board of Directors and Council members, overseen by Chair Alan Rubenstein. This governance structure plays a critical role in steering strategies aligned with NHBC’s purpose and its strong commitment to sustainability within the house-building industry.
Interestingly, Paul Turner brings a diverse and international portfolio of experience to his new role. Prior to his appointment at NHBC, Turner was announced as British High Commissioner to the Solomon Islands and Nauru, with a diplomatic career spanning leadership roles in the UK government and international organisations such as the World Bank, African Development Bank, and the European Union. His background includes oversight of development programmes in fragile states and economic reform efforts, reflecting a broad skill set that could offer fresh perspectives on governance and strategic development within NHBC.
Turner’s appointment also comes at a time when the wider new homes sector is seeing significant institutional developments. Notably, the New Homes Quality Board (NHQB) has recently established a new independent leadership team as it moves into its operational phase, preparing to launch the New Homes Ombudsman Service aimed at developers and consumers. This evolution in governance and consumer protection reinforces the broader commitment within the industry to improve homebuilding standards and accountability.
As NHBC transitions to new leadership, the sector will be watching how Turner leverages his experience to address ongoing industry challenges, including raising the bar on construction quality and sustainability, enhancing consumer protection, and supporting builders in delivering homes that meet modern expectations. With a solid governance foundation and a clear institutional mission, NHBC’s next chapter under Paul Turner appears poised to build on past achievements while navigating the complexities of the future housing market.