YORK headquartered housebuilder Persimmon has appointed a director of the FA as its incoming chairman.

Roger Devlin, who is also a chairman designate of bookmakers William Hill and chairman of pub operators and brewer Marstons, will take up his role with Persimmon on June 1, with a fee of £300,000.

Mr Devlin replaces Nicholas Wrigley, who stepped down from the company after failing to cap the bonuses of senior board members.

Before joining Fulford-based Persimmon, Mr Devlin will stands down from both his role at Marstons and his current position as senior independent director of the Football Association.

Nigel Mills, acting chairman of Persimmon, said: “Following a very thorough process, the Board has agreed that Roger is the right candidate. I am sure that his wide business experience and his personal qualities will enable him to make a significant contribution to the future of the Group.”

Mr Devlin sad: “Persimmon has delivered excellent financial performance as well as materially increasing output in recent years. The housebuilding industry offers good growth prospects, and I look forward to working with Jeff Fairburn, his executive team and the Board.”