Directorate Change

PLACES FOR PEOPLE ANNOUNCES GREG REED AS GROUP CHIEF EXECUTIVE

Places for People Group today [Monday 22 November] announces that Greg Reed will succeed Group Chief Executive David Cowans. Greg Reed, former CEO of Homeserve UK, will take up the role on December 1st 2021.

Following a 20-plus year international career in banking, Mr Reed joined HomeServe and was UK CEO from 2017 to 2020. Mr Reed was also a non-executive director of Clarion Housing Group in 2017 and Chair of Clarion Futures, Clarion Housing Group's charitable foundation. Greg recently resigned from both positions to join Places for People.

Mr Reed said: "Places for People describes itself as a business that 'makes a profit so it can make a difference'. I've been making profit for companies my whole career; now I've found an organisation where profit creates huge social value, and I'm really happy to be here.

"Everyone I've met at Places for People is passionate about the impact they and the organisation have on customers' lives, and the exceptional outcomes they deliver. Leading the team, enabling them to support customers, and create places and communities, is the number one priority for me. Building on David's powerful legacy, we have such an opportunity. I can't wait to get started."

On the appointment of Mr Reed, Places for People Group Chair Richard Gregory OBE said: "I am absolutely delighted to welcome Greg to Places for People. He is one of the strongest customer-focussed leaders I have met, a true customer evangelist. With his experience and skills as a successful CEO, his understanding of our sector, and his strengths in culture, transformation, data, and finance, he is the perfect choice to lead Places for People in our next phase of development."

The change comes as Mr Cowans retires following his 24-year-long tenure at the helm of Places for People.

Reflecting on the significant contribution Mr Cowans has made to housing in the UK, Mr Gregory continues: "For more than two decades, David has been an inspiring leader, whose passion and foresight has changed the way homes and communities are built. David helped establish thriving communities across the country - places rich in diverse tenure which provide homes for people at all stages of their lives - creating a blueprint for other providers to follow.

"On behalf of all of my colleagues I would like to thank him for his pioneering, ground-breaking ideas which have consistently put people first - be they our colleagues, our customers or our communities."