Village Building Co. CEO Rob Fisher says the upcoming board changes are part of a planned succession process. Photo: Thomas Lucraft.
A generational transition is taking place at one of Canberra’s most established and prominent residential building companies.
After nearly four decades at the helm, The Village Building Co founder Bob Winnel and long-time director Michael De Simone are set to retire from the board in June.
As part of a planned succession process, the company has appointed three new independent directors and will welcome the founders’ sons to the board.
The leadership change marks a significant milestone for the Canberra-based developer and builder, which has built approximately 20,000 dwellings since its establishment in 1988.
“Village has been helping shape residential Canberra for 38 years. Now we’re preparing for the next 38 years and beyond,” CEO Rob Fisher said.
“It has been a privilege to work with Bob and Michael, and to learn from them.”
Mr Winnel and Mr De Simone will officially retire on Tuesday, 30 June. Their sons, professional planner Madison Winnel and accomplished construction executive Michael De Simone Jr, will join the board on the same date.
That board will include three new independent directors from this month: globally experienced property leader Gavin Carrier, seasoned executive John Dietz, and lawyer and property, construction and governance expert John Harris.
The three new members bring a combination of global property leadership, executive transformation expertise and deep legal and governance insight, positioning the board to drive complex, high-stakes developments from a position of strategic, operational and regulatory strength.
“I am pleased to welcome our new directors, who provide a mix of fresh perspective, independent governance, and continuity, which will serve the company well in the future,” Village Chairman John McCarthy said.
“We are all strong believers in the future of the Capital Region and the need to provide affordable, quality housing, as well as the level of housing choice that Canberrans have enjoyed for many years,” Mr Fisher added.
Village Building Co has built a reputation for market impact and affordability.
At one time, the company supplied roughly 85 per cent of the Territory’s affordable housing, prioritising diverse, accessible and socially responsible density, often targeting entry-level and middle-market buyers.
Mr Fisher said while there were many exciting things in the pipeline, for now the plan was to stay the course.
“This is a generational change rather than a strategic or visionary change,” he said. “We have always been about providing more affordable housing in Canberra, and that’s very much the vision the new board will carry through.”
Mr McCarthy paid homage to the two incumbent leaders.
“Bob and Michael have been instrumental in growing Village from its inception in 1988 to its current place as one of the Capital Region’s leading land developers and builders,” he said.
“Bob’s vision and drive are the foundation of the company, and with Michael’s support and guidance as an investor, partner and director, we have been able to realise that vision over the past 38 years.
“To be able to retire from a company they have built and hand it on to a new generation is a testament to the quality of their work.”
