Milton Keynes-based affordable housing provider Grand Union Housing Group has appointed Steve Benson as its new board chair.
Steve will be replacing Peter Fielder – who has served as acting chair since November – on 1 April.
Steve has had a long career in housing, with previous experience working with local authorities, housing associations, and homeless charity Two Saints.
He brings with him wide-ranging governance experience, having served on the boards of a number of housing associations.
He has also held a variety of governance roles at the Chartered Institute of Housing and at Homeless Link, where he currently chairs the governance committee.
Commenting on his appointment, Steve said: “I’m excited to be taking on this new role at Grand Union Housing Group and have been impressed by everything I’ve seen so far.”
He added: “Grand Union is well placed to make a positive impact on the communities we serve, but we’re facing challenging times with the difficult economic environment and cost-of-living crisis, so it’s never been more important for housing association boards to adopt the right strategies to ensure they achieve their visions and missions, while keeping their values.”
Away from housing, Steve serves as the chair of the Hampshire RFU’s Club Development Committee.
Aileen Evans, group chief executive, said: “We’re really looking forward to Steve joining us here at Grand Union.
“Steve shares our values and is a brilliant choice to lead us in the future.
“Both Steve and I have been President of the Chartered Institute of Housing, and I know we are both committed to a future where everyone has a place to call home.”
Grand Union manages around 12,500 homes for more than 27,000 people across Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Northamptonshire, and Hertfordshire.
Image: Steve Benson, chair, Grand Union
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