Cairn strengthens commercial leadership with appointment of Sean Gavin
Former Berkeley Group, Ballymore and London Square executive brings 30 years of residential development experience to lead commercial and procurement strategy
30 June 2026 | editor@breakingground.news
Cairn has appointed Sean Gavin as its new Director of Commercial & Procurement, strengthening the homebuilder’s senior leadership team as it continues to scale housing delivery across Ireland.
The appointment comes as Cairn continues to expand its national delivery model, with the commercial and procurement function playing an increasingly important role in managing costs, strengthening supply chain partnerships and supporting the delivery of new homes at scale.
In his new role, Gavin will lead Cairn’s Commercial and Procurement functions, with responsibility for cost management, cost planning and supply chain development. The company said he will also focus on increasing pre-construction capability, supporting innovation and developing a high-performing commercial function to underpin future growth.
Gavin joins Cairn with more than 30 years of experience in the residential development sector, having held senior leadership positions with some of the UK’s largest housebuilders and developers.
He joins from London Square, where he served as Managing Director (South) with responsibility for delivery, investment and commercial performance. Before that, he spent more than a decade with Berkeley Group in a series of senior leadership roles, overseeing the delivery of major residential developments, including several large-scale and complex projects across London. He also previously served as UK Construction Director at Ballymore.
This appointment comes at an important stage in the company’s growth as it continues to expand its operational capability and housing delivery, and Gavin’s experience in residential delivery, commercial performance and team leadership will make a significant contribution to the business.
Commenting on his appointment, Sean Gavin said he was joining Cairn at an important stage in the company’s development, highlighting its ambition and established delivery track record. He said he looked forward to strengthening the company’s commercial and procurement functions, working closely with supply chain partners and supporting Cairn’s continued growth.
Gavin will work alongside Cairn’s senior leadership team to further develop the company’s commercial capability as it delivers its long-term growth strategy and continues to increase housing delivery across Ireland.
The appointment reflects the increasing strategic importance of commercial management, procurement and supply chain resilience for Ireland’s largest residential developers, particularly as the industry continues to focus on scaling delivery while managing construction costs, improving productivity and supporting innovation across the housing sector.
