The SDDE Smith Group ‘excited about journey’ after boosting team

A property sector operator has made a string of senior appointments.

The SDDE Smith Group has bolstered teams across a number of divisions.

Experienced building sector manager Gary Wood has been named group chief operating officer, having turned the organisation’s WOODSmith Construction arm into a multi-million-pound endeavour.

Steve Padgett is now chief financial officer, with James Baird made chief technology officer and managing director of the ResiCentral property tech business, and Reece Ingham named group financial controller.

Elsewhere, Ben Duncan has been appointed commercial director of the group’s Host & Stay holiday home division, with Ryan McKnight securing the role of people and place director.

Dale Smith, The SDDE Smith Group chief executive, said the hires will support the firm’s momentum, which has seen revenues rise from £2 million to £15 million in three years.

He added: “We are proud of where we are from, and we’re passionate about the North East.

“We have seen our colleague base grow rapidly in the last three years, with local people being given opportunities to develop and progress their careers.

“We want to keep creating those opportunities, but we also must bring in the best experience and talent from outside the area too, because that enables us to keep learning, keep improving and keep growing.

“I’m truly excited about the journey we’re on; it’s a great time to be a North East business.”