A new divisional managing director at a Swindon-based company said he is "absolutely delighted" to be taking on the role.

The Hills Group, which has a portfolio of business activities including recycling and waste management, quarrying, and production of ready-mixed concrete, has hired Steve Huntly as divisional managing director for quarry products.

He will start his new role on November 4, and will oversee all aspects of Hills Quarry Products' business, which includes seven sand and gravel quarry sites and eight ready-mixed concrete plants in the south west.

Mr Huntly said: "I am absolutely delighted to be joining Hills Quarry Products, which is such a well-respected business in the industry with a successful track record.

"It is an exciting time of change to be coming on board the business - and I look forward to meeting the whole team later in the year and working with them to drive revenue growth and business development."

Mr Huntly has had a long career with Cemex, culminating in his appointment as regional managing director for their southern region.

He then moved into several other leadership roles, including general manager - south for Saint Gobain, and most recently as managing director for Coram UK.

Mike Hill, chief executive of The Hills Group, said: "Steve will bring extensive experience to the position of divisional managing director – quarry products, having held a number of senior leadership roles in different industries throughout his career."

Mr Huntly's appointment comes as Pete Andrew, group director for quarry products, is set to retire at the end of 2024 after 25 years of service.

Pete AndrewPete Andrew (Image: David Hall) Mr Hill said: "Pete has been a key figure within the business and the quarrying sector for many years and has been a driving force behind the growth of our quarry products division.

"The shareholders, board and employees at Hills wish Pete a well-deserved retirement, spending time with family and managing his farm in Wiltshire."

Mr Andrew said: "It has been an honour and a privilege working with the talented and dedicated team within Hills Quarry Products.

"I would also like to extend my genuine thanks to the Hill family, whose welcome some 25 years ago and subsequent support over the years has been much appreciated.

"I look back with pride at the success and growth Hills Quarry Products has achieved during my tenure, through securing and extending new quarry sites, establishing new business partnerships and expanding our network of ready-mixed concrete plants."