Larry Webb to step down as CEO of John Laing Homes

In a surprise announcement to employees last week, longtime CEO Larry Webb will step down as head of John Laing Homes. Anyone who's ever heard Larry speak or shared a dinner table with him would certainly remember him from his great stories, and I'm sure he will be missed, both at Laing and at building industry functions. From an article at BuilderOnline.com:

The official release has yet to come out, but last week John Laing Homes CEO Larry Webb notified employees and trade partners that he was leaving the company. The move was a surprise to many stakeholders; Webb had contracted to stay on as CEO for five years when United Arab Emirates-based Emaar Properties purchased John Laing Homes for $1.05 billion in 2006. Robert Booth, managing director for Emaar Canada, will succeed Webb as chief executive.

Webb, a 20-plus-year industry veteran, got his start at John Laing as a division president in 1995. His fiery and magnetic personality quickly moved him into greater leadership roles in both the company and industry. Webb plans to use his newly found free time to relax and enjoy more time with his family.

The passing of the torch from Webb to Booth will take place over the next four weeks.