Auld named CEO of D.R. Horton as Tomnitz retires

Donald J. Tomnitz, CEO of D.R. Horton, retired today after 31 years with the Fort Worth-based homebuilder. David V. Auld, chief operating officer, was promoted to CEO. Tomnitz will continue with a consulting role for three years, according to the company. Tomnitz has been the company’s president and CEO since November 1998. “I have been privileged to help build and lead the largest homebuilding company in the United States, and I am very proud of what our team across the United States has accomplished together during this time,” Tomnitz said in a statement. “After over three decades with the company and 15 years as CEO, it’s time for a new generation of leadership at D.R. Horton, and the company is well-positioned for continued success. “

Auld joined D.R. Horton in 1988 as Division President of the company’s Orlando Division. In 2005, he was promoted to region president overseeing all D.R. Horton homebuilding divisions in Florida, North and South Carolina, Georgia and Alabama, which accounted for approximately one-third of homebuilding revenues in fiscal 2013. In November 2013, he was promoted to executive vice president and chief operating officer. Prior to joining D.R. Horton, Auld worked for Texas American Bank and General Dynamics. He graduated from Texas Tech University in 1978 with a bachelor of business administration degree in accounting. The company also announced the promotion of Michael J. Murray, previously senior vice president of business development, to executive vice president and chief operating officer. Murray was instrumental in the successful completion of three acquisitions while serving as senior vice president of business development since 2012. From 2004 to 2012, Murray served as the company’s vice president and corporate controller, after joining the company in 2002 as the director of internal audit. He began his career at PricewaterhouseCoopers and worked at several other companies in finance and accounting roles prior to joining D.R. Horton. Murray graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington in 1988 with a bachelor of business administration degree in accounting.