Leading regional businesses Gentoo and Esh Group have each announced the appointment of John Walker to their Boards as non-executive director. Mr Walker retired as Chief Executive from the government’s regeneration agency, English Partnerships, in November 2008.

A highly experienced property professional, he joined English Partnerships in 1994, prior to which he specialised in regeneration and property development with Stoy Hayward Consulting and held senior appointments with Teesside Development Corporation, Northumbria Police and various local authorities in the North East. It has recently been announced that he will take up an interim appointment on the Olympic Park Legacy Committee.

Throughout his career Mr Walker has held a wide range of directorships including: Priority Sites Limited, English Cities Fund, the Land Restoration Trust, Network Space and Blueprint. As the representative of English Partnerships he sat on the board of five urban regeneration companies (URCs); Tees Valley URC, Sunderland ARC, Hull Citybuild, Sheffield ONE and Leicester Regeneration Company. A member of the Investment Board of the Department for Communities and Local Government he was also appointed as a board member of the English Heritage Audit Committee in June 2008.

Commenting on the appointment, Peter Walls, Chief Executive of Gentoo Group said:

‘We’re delighted John has agreed to join Gentoo’s board, he will reinforce our strategic efforts. In this tough economic climate we are challenging existing norms and working innovatively to ensure we have a positive effect on the way people and communities live, develop and improve. John’s skills and experience will reinforce that focus.’

Brian Manning, Chief Executive of Esh Group continued:

‘John’s appointment to the Esh Group board is a significant development for the business. His extensive knowledge and experience of the North East and Yorkshire & Humberside will be invaluable. We are very much looking forward to benefitting from his support and counsel.’

In response, Mr Walker said:

‘I am delighted to be joining both Esh Group and Gentoo. Both are strong North East businesses with admirable reputations for supporting the region and each is well placed to tackle the challenges of the current environment. There is no question that times are tough at present but there are opportunities out there and I have no doubt that both Esh Group and Gentoo can grasp many of them; I’m very much looking forward to joining their teams.’