LAMBERT RETURNS TO VILLA WORLD BOARD

GOLD Coast business identity Gerry Lambert has returned to the board of leading Queensland housing and land developer Villa World Limited (ASX:VLW) after a 10-year hiatus.

Mr Lambert, who is the current chair of Villa World's Audit and Risk Committee, has been appointed as an independent director effective from January 22.

He served as an executive director of Villa World from 2000 until 2005, during which time he held the roles of chief financial officer and general manager.

Mr Lambert's 30-year corporate career includes experience in the financial, strategic, governance, management and human resource sectors.

He has held key financial roles in both listed and unlisted companies in the building, property development, and mining industries.

Mr Lambert is the non-executive deputy chairman of BoysTown, a national charitable organisation, and is a non-executive director of CuDeco Limited, an ASX-listed mining and exploration company.

Appointed chair of Villa World's Audit and Risk Committee in June 2014, Mr Lambert has led several audit and risk committees and is a regular presenter and workshop facilitator for financial governance/corporate strategy sessions.

Mr Lambert holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours), is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants and a graduate member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Villa World chairman Mark Jewell welcomed Mr Lambert saying the company was thrilled to have him back on the board.

"He brings a wealth of corporate experience and knowledge that will be invaluable to the company as it continues its current growth phase," he said.

Villa World managing director Craig Treasure said Mr Lambert's past association with the company would strengthen the board.

"He already has a deep understanding of the company's recent history and its culture which will inform and benefit decision-making as we escalate our development activity," he said.

Villa World has recently acquired five development sites in Queensland and Victoria, which combined are expected to yield up to 2320 lots.

In November, Villa World lifted its FY15 guidance to a net profit before tax of at least $27 million net profit before tax, up from the $23.7 million anticipated in August.

Established in 1986, Villa World is Queensland's longest-established ASX-listed housing developer and one of Australia's largest integrated housing providers.

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