Taylor Woodrow has started the search for a replacement for chief executive Keith Egerton after he retires next summer.
A Taywood spokesman said the group has hired a headhunter to identify possible candidates. He said: "Clearly there's a plan in place for the succession, and we are seeking a new chief executive."
Egerton, who turns 60 in June, became group chief executive of the 拢2.2bn company in November 1998.
He joined Taywood in 1991 and was chairman and managing director of Taywood's property arm before getting the top job. Previously, he worked for Laing Properties, Commercial Union Properties and Costain.
Egerton oversaw the 拢632m takeover of housebuilder Bryant earlier this year.
Taywood's construction division, now headed by Andrew Wyllie, has also been restructured in the past 18 months. The group plans to rebuild its construction arm through acquisitions and internal growth.
