Radius Housing has confirmed the appointment of Martin Pitt as its new chair.
Pitt joined the Radius board in 2019 and previously served as an audit partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), a multinational professional services network of firms, till his retirement in 2018.
Radius says he brings expertise in financing and risk management gained over many years in the Northern Irish social housing and public sector.
He also spearheaded the development of the NIFHA’s Annual Global Sector Account Report.
Pitt is the chair of the Northern Ireland Audit Office Advisory Board and sits on the boards of a range of charities, providing financial expertise and advice.
As chair of Radius, and working with the board, he will continue to focus on tenant sustainability, growth, and the enablement of thriving communities, and says he is keen to see Radius carefully maximise its resources for the benefit of the whole community.
Pitt takes over from retiring incumbent Diana Fitzsimons.
Speaking on his appointment, Pitt said: “It is a great honour to be appointed Chair of Radius Housing, particularly at such an important time for the organisation and the wider housing sector.
“I am very pleased to succeed Diana Fitzsimons who led Radius so successfully in its formative years.
“Well planned, quality social homes are the springboard to a better and fairer society for all. By getting the housing right, we improve health, education and employment prospects.
“Ultimately this will help to reduce poverty and give our young people the belief that they can not only improve the prospects for them and their families but for their whole neighbourhoods too.
“I look forward to working with the board, the senior management team and all Radius staff, to continue to provide the best possible housing, care and support, in spite of the pandemic which is having a devastating impact on so many vulnerable people.”
John McLean, chief executive of Radius Housing, said: “We are delighted to announce that Martin Pitt is the new chair of Radius Housing.
“Not only does Martin bring a great wealth of expertise in corporate finance, governance, and social housing, but he also has a terrific insight into best practice across the private, voluntary, and public sectors.
“He is a huge asset to Radius and the wider social housing family. Following in the footsteps of our outgoing chair, Diana Fitzsimons, is a considerable task, but I know that Martin will put his own unique stamp on matters.”
Paying tribute to Diana Fitzsimons as she steps down as chair, Pitt added: “A great deal of the success of Radius has been down to Diana’s leadership and her personal touch.
“Working with the board, she helped set the direction and priorities for our new organisation, with the customer at the centre.
“We all thank her for energy and clarity of vision and wish her every success in her retirement.”
Image: Martin Pitt
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