Founder Andrew Fisher moves to Chairman role as Steven McGarva and Ben Holmes become Managing Directors for North and South regions

Ashfield Land is reshaping its leadership team in a move that will see founder and 35-year Managing Director Andrew Fisher step into the Chairman role. Directors Steven McGarva and Ben Holmes will take on roles as ‘Managing Director North’ and ‘Managing Director South’ respectively. 

Ashfield Land was co-founded by Andrew Fisher in partnership with Robin Faber in 1990 and Andrew has led the business as Managing Director over 35 successful years. 

To enable the next chapter in the privately-owned firm’s evolution, Steven McGarva and Ben Holmes will become new MDs, expanding their existing responsibilities within an overall leadership group which includes Operations Director, Claire Cope and Projects Director, Paul Jagroop. 

Andrew Fisher will become Chairman, continuing his active involvement but changing day-to-day responsibilities. 

Steven McGarva and Ben Holmes, both established directors within the business, will now take on greater responsibilities across the strategic running and direction of the firm as part of the leadership team. 

The refreshed Ashfield Land leadership team becomes: Steven McGarva (Managing Director North), Ben Holmes (Managing Director South), Robin Faber (Finance Director), Claire Cope (Operations Director), Paul Jagroop (Projects Director) and Nick Price (Financial Controller) together with Andrew Fisher (Chairman). 

The changes are effective from 1 May 2025.

Andrew Fisher, Chairman of Ashfield Land, said: “We set up Ashfield Land in 1990 to offer something different into the real estate market and I’ve been proud to lead the business for the last 35 years. Now it’s time for a refresh and it’s exciting to see Steven McGarva and Ben Holmes stepping forward as our new managing directors across the North and South respectively, working in our leadership group with Claire Cope and Paul Jagroop and sustaining the breadth and depth of experience that makes Ashfield Land unique. This is an evolution move and a continuity play for the business – we know what we want to be, do, and offer our partners and collaborators in the market. We’re excited for the future with our re-shaped leadership team.” 

Steven McGarva, Managing Director North at Ashfield Land, said: “Refreshing our leadership team while continuing our ethos for dynamic, strategic decision-making is the right thing for the business to do. Andrew has done a fantastic job leading our business and I’m excited and looking forward to continuing to work with him, Ben and the wider leadership team in the new Managing Director North role.” 

Ben Holmes, Managing Director South at Ashfield Land, said: “I joined Ashfield Land because I could see both an exceptional track record and an exciting future for the business. I’m pleased to be part of this future and shaping it more directly as Managing Director South. Ashfield Land is all about delivery and I’m looking forward to continuing that track record and to more excellent results.” 

Ashfield Land’s portfolio of current sites and projects includes strategic land, commercial and residential developments throughout the UK.