Notting Hill Genesis is delighted to welcome Ian Ellis as the new chair.
Ian, who will take on the role from 1 September 2019, has been chair of NHS Property Services since 2016 and has worked in real estate for more than 40 years.
He will lead the group board to provide strategic direction and oversight to the organisation and ensure the company continues to provide high-quality homes for lower income households in and around London.
Speaking about his appointment, Ian said:
“Notting Hill Genesis has a long history through its legacy organisations of providing housing for people who need it and aims to be the best housing association in London.
“I am excited to be playing my part in that by using my property experience to create an even brighter future alongside an experienced board and executive team as well as dedicated staff.
“Obviously there are complex issues that we cannot shy away from, such as the need to improve our record on repairs and maintenance and to navigate a difficult political and economic environment, but I am very much looking forward to the challenges ahead and providing the best possible services to existing and future residents.”
The role of chair was advertised externally and internally while candidates were also identified through the board and executive team’s networks. From a long-list of more than 100 candidates a final shortlist of six were interviewed.
The two resident board members were involved in the final decision while a resident was also on the nominations committee, which recommended Ian’s appointment to the board.
Kate Davies, chief executive, said:
“Our board was very impressed with Ian’s skills, experience and achievements, many of which are directly relevant to a modern housing association. He has enormous property experience particularly in vital areas such as repairs, maintenance and facilities management.
“He has been chief executive of several large companies and we are confident his knowledge and expertise will help us in our aim to be the best housing association in London.”
During the 1990s, Ian was an equity partner and head of investment management at Richard Ellis, now CBRE. In 1998 he helped found Trillium, the UK’s first integrated real estate, construction and facilities management business.
Following acquisition by Land Securities, Ian became chief executive of Land Securities Trillium and a main board director of Land Securities PLC. He remained with Trillium when it was bought by Telereal in 2009 to become executive chair of the combined Telereal Trillium, until 2014.
He is still very active in the wider real estate industry, as chair of Arcus Solutions and an independent director of Portman Settled Estates.
Notting Hill Genesis would like to thank board member James Wardlaw, who has played a vital role as interim chair while the company undertook the recruitment process.
Kate added:
“James has provided committed, energetic support for me and the board over the last six months which has helped ensure we now face the future with equanimity.”