from Staff
Homebuilders Morrison Homes and Taylor Woodrow have merged to create the nation’s 15th largest homebuilder, Taylor Morrison. Sheryl Palmer, a homebuilding industry veteran with a background in development and homebuilding operations, has been chosen as chief executive officer for the newly-formed company.
“Taylor Morrison’s future will reflect the best practices and strategies proven successful previously by both Taylor Woodrow and Morrison Homes,” said Palmer. “Taylor Morrison will continue to provide the same quality construction and attentive customer service enjoyed by both Taylor Woodrow and Morrison Homes buyers through the years.”
Taylor Morrison was formed following the July 3 merger of British home builders Taylor Woodrow plc and George Wimpey plc, which created the United Kingdom’s largest homebuilder, Taylor Wimpey plc.
Taylor Wimpey’s North American interests are represented by the newly named Taylor Morrison. The company will integrate the operations of Taylor Woodrow Homes and Morrison Homes into one single homebuilding brand, Taylor Morrison, in the United States. The company will continue to operate in the Canadian market under its Monarch brand.
“We look forward to building quality homes in the Northeast Florida area under our new name,” said Richard J. Dalton, division president for Taylor Morrison. “Throughout the years, we have built a strong reputation in this market, and we will continue to provide our customers with the same excellent service and outstanding home products.”
Consolidation of the two brands will add to the diversity of home buying opportunities present for homebuyers in markets where Taylor Woodrow builds mid-to-upscale homes while Morrison Homes offers first-time and mid-market homes.
Palmer, who previously served as executive vice president for the western region of Morrison Homes, will oversee Taylor Morrison’s corporate operations in the U.S. and Canada from the company’s headquarters in Bradenton, Fla. The company will continue to offer a diverse range of entry-level, move-up and high-end housing in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Nevada and Texas.
“Homebuilding will continue to be a commodity and we happen to be selling something that everyone needs – a roof over their heads,” said Palmer said. “Although presently dealing with unprecedented market conditions, we are optimistic regarding our long-term opportunities.”
Palmer brings more than 20 years of experience to her new position, including experience in land acquisition, sales and marketing, development and operations management. She spent most of her career in the Arizona, California and Nevada real estate markets, including eight years as division president responsible for operations at Blackhawk Corp., a builder of active adult communities based in northern California. In addition, she worked with Pulte Homes for more than five years, beginning in the Phoenix market and ultimately serving as Nevada area president, supervising all aspects of operations for its Del Webb and Pulte communities.
Palmer said her long-range plan for the company’s more than 280 U.S. communities includes stabilizing inventory, returning cash to the business and reducing costs by maximizing the synergy of the two brands to create a stronger, more efficient Taylor Morrison.