Andrew Smith has been made the finance director at social housing maintenance group Mears after the resignation of the incumbent David Robertson.

Robertson has been with the company as the finance chief since joining in 1997 and announced his retirement in August 2007.

Smith, the former executive director for the social housing maintenance and repairs group, takes on the post having originally worked for the auditors Grant Thornton.

He joined the company in 1999 as the finance director of subsidiaries before promotion to the board in March 2007.

Holt said: 'Andrew's move into the finance director position has been carried out very efficiently, and I am delighted to be working with him as we continue to grow the company'.