Richard Mann will become the new group chief executive of United Welsh from January 2022.
Formerly deputy chief executive and group director of operations, his new is seen as pivotal in United Welsh’s growth. The association currently provides over 6,300 homes across South Wales and plans to build 1,300 more in the next five years.
Richard will take over the post from Lynda Sagona, who announced her plans to retire after leading United Welsh as group chief executive for five years and working for the organisation since 2009.
He said: ‘I am very proud to be appointed group chief executive to lead United Welsh into its next chapter.
‘Everything that United Welsh does stems from our social purpose. While we are a housing organisation that builds and provides high quality homes, we are driven by making a positive difference to the people who live in those homes and communities.
‘Everyone at United Welsh is passionate about the impact of our work and building on the organisation’s successful outcomes under Lynda’s leadership, we remain committed to making a major contribution in ending homelessness, tackling poverty and improving wellbeing.
‘I am excited to continue our collaborations with government and the housing and health sectors to create a better, greener future for people in Wales.’
Richard has worked in the housing sector as a development specialist for over 20 years, joining United Welsh as a director in 2005. He has overseen a significant expansion in the number of homes delivered and led on major award-winning regeneration programmes, including the transformation of well-loved community buildings such as the Caerphilly Miners’ Hospital and Bargoed’s Hanbury Chapel.
He is also a member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (Building) and has served as the chairman of Community Housing Cymru’s Technical Services.
Grahame Sturges, chair of the board for the United Welsh Group said: ‘Following a rigorous recruitment process, I am delighted that Richard has been appointed to lead United Welsh.
‘Richard has extensive knowledge of the Group and the sector, and he is committed to leading with the strong values of United Welsh firmly in mind.
‘Lynda’s retirement from the business after a long and successful career leaves the Group in a strong position to grow and develop. We look forward to working closely with Richard to fulfil our ambitions of providing much needed homes and supporting people to live the best lives they can.’