Jason Millett joins Artisan as deputy chief executive

Jason Millett, the former UK boss of Bovis Lend Lease, has been appointed deputy chief executive of developer and contractor Artisan Group.

Millett has been linked to a string of jobs since he resigned from Bovis Lend Lease last year following a row with global chief executive Bob Johnston over the restructuring of the UK division.

The fact he chose a Manchester-based company will only increase speculation that Millett wanted a job close to his home.

Millett said: “After considering a number of options I chose Artisan because it is an entrepreneurial and dynamic company renowned for its innovation and integrity.”

Founding chief executive and chairman Carol Ainscow said that the appointment was “a great coup” for the company, and many industry observers will agree, given that Millett is regarded as one of the industry’s rising stars.

Artisan has a turnover of £53m and has a current development programme worth more than £600m. These include the West Gorton mixed-use development in east Manchester which covers 52ha and a 200-unit housing development in Foxhill, Sheffield.

Last year the company won 90% of tenders that it bid for competitively.

Since Millett’s departure Bovis Lend Lease has restructured its UK business into separate construction and PFI divisions.