North-west housing group Torus has appointed Mike Emmerich as its new chair of the board, who will formally take on the role in September.
Mike is an entrepreneur who combines senior leadership experience across the public and private sectors with his extensive strategy and economics knowledge.
He has applied this to start ups in the private, public, academic, and not-for-profit sectors for over 20 years.
He is also an experienced national-level non-executive director in the education, health, heritage, real estate, and culture sectors.
As the founding director of Metro Dynamics, a specialised consultancy for local authorities, Mike has played a role in major projects, including the devolution deals in the west midlands and north-east, which give more local responsibility for housing and infrastructure.
He has also spent time working with local authorities and combined authorities within the Liverpool and Greater Manchester City Regions.
Mike’s other previous roles include senior policy adviser on social and economic development in the prime minister’s Policy Unit and policy adviser to the Treasury.
Mike Emmerich said: “I am excited and honoured to be taking on this role at Torus particularly as the organisation is so well placed to make a positive impact on the communities in the North West.
“We are facing challenging times with the difficult economic environment and cost-of-living crisis, so it has never been more important for housing association boards to implement the right strategies to ensure they achieve their missions, while keeping their values.”
Steve Coffey, group CEO at Torus, said: “Our board play a vital role in how we operate as an organisation, and we are delighted to welcome Mike’s leadership at a crucial time as the group works to meet the challenges both within the sector and the wider external environment.
“Mike brings a wealth of experience in delivering strategies for planning, housing, environment, and innovation and shares our deep commitment to the vital role that housing associations play in helping to grow stronger communities.
“We look forward to collaborating with him to support our customers, colleagues, and the communities we serve.”
Mike Emmerich will succeed Graham Burgess, who will step down from the Board at the 2023 Annual General Meeting (AGM).
Steve Coffey added: “At this year’s AGM the Group will thank Graham Burgess for his valuable service to Torus.
“He was a driving force behind the amalgamation in 2019 that created the current Torus Group and, by bringing his vast experience to Torus, he has been a central figure in helping us obtain positive outcomes through the group’s commitment to growing stronger communities.”
Read next: United Living sold to private equity giant Apollo
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.