Combined Companies to be Known as Taylor Morrison Sheryl Palmer, a home building veteran with a background in development and home building operations, has been chosen as chief executive officer for Taylor Morrison, the nation's 15th largest home builder. Taylor Morrison was formed following the July 3 merger of British home builders Taylor Woodrow plc and George Wimpey plc, which created the United Kingdom's largest home builder, Taylor Wimpey plc.

Taylor Wimpey's North American interests are represented by the newly named Taylor Morrison. The company will meld the Taylor Woodrow Homes and Morrison Homes operations as one single homebuilding brand - Taylor Morrison - in the United States. The company will continue to operate in the Canadian market with its well-established Monarch brand.

Palmer, who previously served as executive vice president for the western region of Morrison Homes, said she is delighted at the opportunity to lead the company. She will oversee a company that will continue to offer a diverse range of entry-level, move-up and high-end housing in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Nevada and Texas, with the company's corporate headquarters located in Bradenton, Fla.

Palmer brings more than 20 years of experience to her new position, including experience in land acquisition, sales and marketing, development and operations management. She has spent most of her career in the Arizona, California and Nevada real estate markets, including eight years as division president responsible for operations at Blackhawk Corp., a builder of active adult communities based in northern California. In addition, she served with Pulte for more than five years, beginning in the Phoenix market and ultimately serving as Nevada area president, supervising all aspects of operations for its Del Webb and Pulte communities. Palmer will oversee Taylor Morrison's U.S. and Canadian operations and is excited about combining the corporate cultures of the two storied companies.

"Taylor Morrison's future will reflect the best practices and strategies proven successful previously by both Taylor Woodrow and Morrison Homes," she said.

Consolidation of the two brands will add to the diversity of home buying opportunities present for home buyers in markets where Taylor Woodrow builds mid-to-upscale homes and Morrison Homes offers first-time to mid-market homes. "Taylor Morrison will continue to provide the same quality construction and attentive customer service enjoyed by both Taylor Woodrow and Morrison Homes buyers through the years," Palmer said.

Monarch continues as the company's Canadian brand, building single-family homes and high-rise buildings in Toronto's urban core as well as single-family homes in Ottawa, where the company recently was ranked highest in a consumer survey of new home builders by J.D. Power and Associates. Palmer's long-range plan for the company's more than 280 U.S. communities includes stabilizing inventory, returning cash to the business and reducing costs by maximizing the synergy of the two brands to create a stronger, more efficient Taylor Morrison.

"Home building will continue to be a commodity and we happen to be selling something that everyone needs-a roof over their heads," Palmer said. "Although, presently dealing with unprecedented market conditions, we are optimistic regarding our long-term opportunities."