Change to Group Chair

PLACES FOR PEOPLE ANNOUNCES NEW GROUP CHAIR

Following a thorough external recruitment process, Places for People Group today 11 January 2021 announces that Richard Gregory OBE will join the company as Chair of the Board from 31 January 2021.

Chris Phillips, the Group's current Chair, will step down as Chair and non-executive director on 31 January 2021 having served on the Group Board for 14 years, 10 of them as Chair.

Mr Gregory is an experienced chair and non-executive director across private and public sectors. He is Senior Advisor to Virgin Money UK PLC, formerly the Clydesdale and Yorkshire Banking Group, where he was Senior Independent Director and Risk Committee Chair. He is also Chair of Together Personal Finance, the specialist lender.

Former roles include Chair of Chesterfield Royal Hospital FT, Interim Chair of Derbyshire Healthcare FT, Director of the Foundation Trust Network, Deputy Chair of the regional development agency Yorkshire Forward, Chair of Science City York, Chair of Sheffield Hallam University and a board member of Business in the Community. His executive career was in ITV where he retired as Managing Director Broadcasting of Yorkshire Television. He was awarded an OBE in 2004.

Places for People Group Chief Executive David Cowans said: "Chris has dedicated more than a decade to Places for People, and we cannot thank him enough for his hard work and guidance. Under Chris' direction we've welcomed a number of businesses to the Group and we've significantly increased our presence in the affordable housing sector. As we bid Chris a fond farewell, we look forward to working with our new Chair. Richard brings with him significant experience and leadership, which will help to further strengthen our Board and drive forward our vision."

Speaking of his appointment, Mr Gregory said: "As I take up the post we'll be moving into a challenging commercial landscape, navigating our way through a post-COVID future. I look forward to taking our business forward through this with a commitment to creating more, much needed affordable homes across the country, and delivering on our vision of a zero-carbon future."

ENDS