G15 confirms next Chair
The G15 group of leading housing associations has confirmed that Fiona Fletcher-Smith, Group Chief Executive of L&Q, will become the network’s next Chair.
The moves comes after confirmation that current Vice-Chair, Richard Hill (Chief Executive of One Housing, part of the Riverside Group), will be joining BPHA as its new Chief Executive in April. Fiona and L&Q will become Vice-Chair with immediate effect.
Geeta Nanda OBE, G15 Chair and Chief Executive of MTVH, said:
“I’d like to thank Richard for his contribution to G15 as Vice-Chair, and throughout his time leading One Housing. Richard has highlighted the important role members play in the social care system, and has been a great support on so many different issues. We wish him all the best at BPHA.”
Commenting on Fiona Fletcher-Smith’s appointment as G15 Vice-Chair, which will also mean that L&Q becomes G15 Chair from 3 June 2023 when MTVH’s term comes to an end, Geeta added:
“I’m thrilled Fiona and L&Q have agreed to become Vice-Chair now, and to take on the leadership of G15 from June. It’s a critical time for the sector, and the people we provide homes to. Fiona and L&Q’s experience will be invaluable to the group, and the partners we work with, in continuing our efforts to tackle the housing crisis.”
Fiona Fletcher-Smith, new G15 Vice-Chair and Group Chief Executive of L&Q, said:
“Our sector is no stranger to challenge, but the sheer number of complex issues currently facing housing associations and our residents mean that working together is more important than ever. G15 members bring a broad range of skills and expertise to the table, but we are all united by a common desire to support our residents and tackle the housing crisis.
“Over the coming months I look forward to working closely with Geeta and other G15 colleagues to ensure our voices are heard, our work is understood, and we work collaboratively for the benefit of our residents.”
During its term as G15 Chair, beginning in June 2023, L&Q will be supported by Peabody as Vice-Chair.
In a further update, with One Housing completing its Terms of Engagement process with the Riverside Group at the end of March, Riverside will become a member of the G15 on 1 April 2023. Riverside has a long-standing connection to London through the homes it provides in the capital and wider South-East, in addition to the 17,000 homes currently managed by One Housing Group. Following Riverside joining the G15, members will be responsible for a combined 770,000 homes across the country.
About Fiona Fletcher-Smith
Fiona was appointed as L&Q’s Chief Executive in September 2020. A chartered surveyor, with almost 30 years of experience in the housing sector, Fiona has worked in a variety of voluntary and public sector roles including advising homeless people in Dublin, housing management, development and regeneration, strategy and policy development.
Fiona was previously L&Q’s Director of Development and Sales, spearheading a £5.1 billion development programme. Whilst in this role, Fiona led our development and strategic land programmes, including landmark projects such as the 10,800-home Barking Riverside development. She also oversaw the group’s expansion beyond the South East and delivered change programmes to improve both the efficiency and diversity of our Development and Sales function.
Prior to joining L&Q, Fiona was Executive Director for Development, Enterprise and Environment at the Greater London Authority (GLA). As part of their senior management team, Fiona was responsible for overseeing the delivery and implementation of key strategies such as the London Plan and overseeing the operation of the Mayor’s powers in relation to significant planning applications in the capital.
Fiona is the current chair of trustees at the Centre for London, helping the capital’s think tank to meet their charitable objectives.