A search for his successor has begun, said the firm.
Turner has accepted the Board’s offer of a non-executive chairmanship when the new CEO is in place.
David Watson, currently interim chairman, will become deputy chairman and senior independent director.
Grenville Turner said: “Over the course of the last seven years, I have been fortunate to be CEO of Countrywide. During this time, the group has been through quite a journey, both internally through a significant transformation programme, and externally, including a take private and return to public markets, all while operating during a prolonged downturn in the UK property market. I take great pride that as a plc, Countrywide is operating so well following successful results for 2013 and, after careful consideration, I have decided that now is the right time for me to step down from my role as CEO. I am delighted to be assuming the role of chairman and look forward to continuing to work with everyone at Countrywide, who I respect and admire greatly.”
David Watson, non-executive director and interim chairman said: “Grenville
has been an extraordinary leader for the group and the Board and I are confident that he will make a very able chairman. The group and its shareholders owe a huge debt to him, and to the senior management team who have worked so closely with him over the years.”
