Ashton Woods Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Ashton Woods has 7 executives leading key functions including regional construction management, financial services, and residential design strategy.

Focused on delivering high-quality custom living spaces, Ashton Woods maintains a commitment to architectural excellence and customer-centric home building across diverse markets.

Leadership Roles at Ashton Woods

  • Division President - Todd Nichols
  • Division President - Blake Contine
  • Division President - Bret Bailey
  • Division President - William Coles
  • Division President - Steve Merten
  • Division President - Joseph Killinger
  • President, Financial Servicess - Matthew Fox
  • Todd Nichols - Division President

    Todd Nichols, the Division President at Ashton Woods, directs all residential construction operations within the designated regional territory. Nichols manages land acquisition pipelines and oversees the development of custom home communities to ensure alignment with corporate quality standards. By coordinating with local subcontractors and architectural teams, the Division President optimizes project timelines and maintains strict budget adherence. Todd Nichols drives operational efficiency by implementing standardized building protocols that enhance the overall buyer experience. This leadership role requires constant collaboration with the executive board to refine market-specific growth strategies. Through the oversight of site development and construction quality, the Division President secures the competitive positioning of the company in the regional real estate market. Ultimately, Nichols ensures that every custom home project meets the rigorous design expectations established by the firm since inception.

    Blake Contine - Division President

    Blake Contine, the Division President at Ashton Woods, manages the end-to-end sales and marketing lifecycle for new residential developments. Contine architects comprehensive go-to-market strategies that highlight the unique design features of custom homes. By analyzing regional housing demand, the Division President aligns inventory levels with shifting consumer preferences. Blake Contine drives revenue growth through the optimization of sales office performance and the cultivation of strong relationships with local real estate brokerage networks. This role involves frequent interaction with the corporate leadership team to report on regional sales velocity and market penetration metrics. By focusing on the customer journey from initial inquiry to final closing, the Division President ensures high levels of satisfaction and brand loyalty. Contine maintains a sharp focus on operational excellence to support the broader mission of delivering premium, personalized living environments.

    Bret Bailey - Division President

    Bret Bailey, the Division President at Ashton Woods, oversees the supply chain logistics and material procurement processes for regional construction projects. Bailey manages vendor partnerships to ensure the consistent availability of high-quality building materials required for custom home designs. By streamlining procurement workflows, the Division President reduces project lead times and mitigates cost volatility. Bret Bailey drives operational sustainability by integrating efficient resource management practices into the daily construction cycle. This leadership position requires close coordination with project managers to ensure that site requirements match the procurement schedule. Through the rigorous oversight of material quality and vendor performance, the Division President supports the delivery of superior construction outcomes. Bailey maintains a focus on long-term operational stability, ensuring that the company remains well-positioned to meet the evolving demands of the custom home market.

    William Coles - Division President

    William Coles, the Division President at Ashton Woods, leads the strategic planning for land development and community infrastructure projects. Coles evaluates potential sites for new residential communities, ensuring that every location aligns with the company's standards for premium living. By managing the entitlement and permitting processes, the Division President clears the path for successful construction execution. William Coles drives regional expansion by identifying emerging market opportunities and securing land assets that offer long-term value. This role involves extensive collaboration with municipal authorities and engineering partners to ensure compliance with local zoning and environmental regulations. Through the careful management of development budgets and timelines, the Division President ensures that infrastructure projects support the overall growth objectives of the firm. Coles maintains a focus on creating sustainable, high-value communities that reflect the core design philosophy of the organization.

    Steve Merten - Division President

    Steve Merten, the Division President at Ashton Woods, directs the quality assurance and safety compliance programs across all regional construction sites. Merten implements rigorous inspection protocols to ensure that every custom home meets the highest standards of structural integrity and aesthetic finish. By fostering a culture of safety, the Division President minimizes operational risks and protects the workforce. Steve Merten drives continuous improvement by analyzing performance data from completed projects to refine building techniques. This leadership role requires frequent engagement with site supervisors to address technical challenges and ensure adherence to corporate quality benchmarks. Through the systematic oversight of construction standards, the Division President safeguards the reputation of the company as a premier home builder. Merten ensures that all operational activities remain aligned with the overarching mission of delivering exceptional, durable, and beautifully designed custom homes.

    Joseph Killinger - Division President

    Joseph Killinger, the Division President at Ashton Woods, manages the customer service and warranty operations for the regional portfolio. Killinger oversees the post-closing experience, ensuring that homeowners receive timely support and resolution for any construction-related inquiries. By developing robust service frameworks, the Division President enhances the long-term value of the company's custom homes. Joseph Killinger drives brand advocacy by prioritizing responsiveness and transparency in all client interactions. This role involves coordinating with construction teams to address warranty claims efficiently and effectively. Through the analysis of service feedback, the Division President identifies opportunities to improve future design and construction processes. Killinger maintains a focus on building lasting relationships with homeowners, which reinforces the market position of the firm. By ensuring that the customer experience remains a top priority, the Division President supports the sustained growth and success of the organization.

    Matthew Fox - President, Financial Servicess

    Matthew Fox, the President, Financial Servicess at Ashton Woods, directs the capital allocation and financial planning strategies for the entire construction enterprise. Fox manages the fiscal health of the organization by overseeing budgeting, forecasting, and investment analysis for new real estate developments. By optimizing the capital structure, the President, Financial Servicess ensures that the company maintains the liquidity necessary to support aggressive growth initiatives. Matthew Fox drives financial performance by implementing rigorous cost-control measures and monitoring key profitability metrics across all divisions. This leadership role requires close collaboration with the executive team to align financial goals with the broader mission of delivering custom homes. Through the strategic management of financial resources, the President, Financial Servicess secures the long-term stability of the firm. Fox maintains a focus on maximizing shareholder value while supporting the operational needs of the construction and design teams.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Ashton Woods Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Ashton Woods?
    Ashton Woods is led by Todd Nichols (Division President), along with executives such as Blake Contine (Division President) and Bret Bailey (Division President).
    Who is part of Ashton Woods’s executive team?
    The executive team of Ashton Woods includes leaders such as Todd Nichols (Division President), Blake Contine (Division President), Bret Bailey (Division President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Ashton Woods have?
    Ashton Woods has 7 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Ashton Woods’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Ashton Woods includes roles such as Division President, Division President, Division President, Division President, Division President.