Barratt drafts in tobacco boss Mark Rolfe

Housebuilder Barratt has drafted in former tobacco finance chief Mark Rolfe as a non executive director as it looks for help to find its way out of a difficult period which has seen its share price drop 74% in just over a year.

Last February Barratt's share price stood at 1100p but it was down to 285p yesterday.

Rolfe, an accountant, was finance director at Gallaher Group for seven years.

Barratt chairman Charles Toner said: "His track record and breadth of experience as a finance director of a leading international company will be a great asset to us and he will no dount make a unique contribution to the work of the board and its committee."