Affordable housing provider, Magenta Living, has appointed Ged Lucas as the new chair of its board.
Lucas started working in housing in 1975 and has been director of Housing for three Council’s and finished his local government career as deputy chief executive. He then went on to become an independent consultant.
He is currently chair of First Choice Homes Oldham and has previously sat on the board of Trafford Housing Trust.
Lucas is originally from Liverpool, being brought up on a number of social housing estates.
He has previously worked in the housing sector in Wirral, Ged also had family members who lived locally so is familiar with the area.
Lucas has spent six years as a nationally elected member of the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) and chaired the Policy board, which resulted in him working with a range of national government departments and policy development organisations.
Lucas has a wealth of housing and governance experience from both an Executive and Non-Executive Director perspective, as well as a broad range of skills and experience, including Housing, Planning, Regeneration, Economic Development, Environment, and Community Development.
The appointment has been made as part of Magenta Living’s board succession plans.
Lucas replaces David Clark, who was a Magenta Living board director for eight years, over five of which David served as chair.
Brian Simpson, Magenta Living’s chief executive, said: “I am delighted that the board has appointed Ged as our new chair.
“He really has joined us at the right time as we continue to deliver our vision of ‘vibrant… homes, lives, neighbourhoods’ and steer our organisation forward at such an important time.
“Ged brings with him a wealth of housing sector knowledge and experience and I am confident that he will both support and challenge the Executive Leadership Team and the board.
“I’m really looking forward to developing a strong, professional working relationship with Ged and I know he will ensure our customers remain at the heart of everything we do.”
Commenting on his appointment, Lucas said: “I am really looking forward to joining Magenta Living as its chair of the board.
“This is such an exciting time for the organisation with a big focus on investing in our current and future homes, delivering greater Value for Money and continuing to provide excellent services to our customers.
“We are excited to be part of a major Wirral regeneration project and also to deliver our Climate Change Strategic Framework.
“It is undoubtedly a challenging time for the housing sector but I’m confident that, by working together with fellow board Directors, the Executive Leadership Team and colleagues across the organisation, we can achieve our future ambitious plans.
“I’m very much looking forward to working with all our stakeholders as we focus on Magenta Living’s customers and communities.”
Image: Brian Simpson, Chief Executive of Magenta Living and Ged Lucas, Chair of Magenta Living
Read next: Orbit Homes secures multiple land deals in Q3
Are you a social housing professional? Sign up for a FREE MEMBERSHIP to upload news stories, post job vacancies, and connect with colleagues on our secure social feed.
