Persimmon PLC appointed Nigel Mills, its senior independent director, to take up the role of acting chairman of the board until the position is permanently filled.

Mills will also serve as chairman of the nomination committee at the same time, while the company continues its search for a new chairman, after Nicholas Wrigley's resignation became effective Feb. 26.

Separately, the U.K.-based homebuilder announced that it would make capital return payouts amounting to £1.25 per share annually until 2020. The company plans to make the first payment as an interim dividend March 29 and will subsequently disburse the yearly interim dividend payout to shareholders in late March or early April of each year.

Persimmon's board also approved the scheduled July 2 capital return payout of £1.10 per share, a resolution that is still subject to shareholder approval.