The chief of housebuilder Barratt Developments has died in a road accident, it was announced today.
Frank Eaton, chairman and chief executive of the firm, died last night in an accident on the A69 west of Newcastle upon Tyne.
A Barratt spokesman said: “We regret to announce the tragic death of the Barratt Group chairman and chief executive Frank Eaton in a road accident last night. We are all deeply shocked and our thoughts are with Mr Eaton’s family.
“The board will meet on Thursday, 10 October. In the meantime, Mr David Pretty, our group managing director, will act as temporary group chief executive.
“Mr Eaton’s contribution to the company was immeasurable and he was widely respected throughout the housebuilding industry.
“He joined the Group in 1979 and became managing director of Barratt Manchester before his appointment to the main board in 1988 as chairman of the central region. He was appointed group chief executive in 1991 and group chairman in 1997.
“Mr Eaton, 52, leaves a wife and three children.”
Just two weeks ago Eaton announced the group’s full year results to the City, which showed a 23% rise in full-year profits.
Barratt, based in Newcastle upon Tyne, is one of the UK’s largest housebuilders.
Shares in the group today fell 2% to 425p.
EGi News 08/10/02
