Places for People announces new Chair
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Places for
People Chairman Zenna Atkins is to step down as Chair of Places for
People, after being appointed Chief Executive of GEMS (UK, Europe
and Africa) - a global education company providing private schools
and working within the state sector to improve
education.
She is to be
replaced by Chris Phillips from the 1st September. He
has been on the Places for People Board since 2006.
Chris
Phillips has 30 years experience in the international financial
services and real estate sectors, and is currently Non-Executive
Chairman of Londonewcastle plc.
He is also
the Non-Executive Chairman of Your Space Plc, an AIM traded traded
property services company; Non-Executive Chairman of Wyndham York
Plc; and a Non-Executive Director of Mission Capital
Plc.
Commenting on her decision to step
down, Zenna Atkins said:
“I have been
privileged to have been part of a creative and caring business that
makes such a positive difference to thousands of people’s lives -
be that through our new large scale developments, investment in
existing communities, new products to help people access a range of
housing, or helping people back into work, learning and
training.
“I know that
Chris’ passion for sector and his leadership will ensure that the
Group continues to flourish, and deliver a wide range of products
and services to communities across the UK.”
David
Cowans, Chief Executive of Places for People
said:
“Zenna Atkins
has made an extremely valuable contribution to the Group during her
tenure, helping shape and deliver a wide range of products and
services to our customers.
“Under her
leadership we have continued to position ourselves for long-term
growth by focussing our business on the design and construction of
our large-scale developments; and delivering excellent
place-management services to ensure their long-term
success.
“As a
result we have now secured enough land to build more than 20,000
homes, which will help meet future housing demand and supply, and
enable thousands of hard-working families and individuals to access
a range of housing options, alongside employment, education,
health, and other social facilities.”
Chris
Phillips commented:
“I’m
delighted to be taking up the role of Chairman of Places for
People, and thank Zenna for her hard work and dedication over the
past six years.
“She leaves
the Group in a strong position, and has played an key role in
steering Places for People towards its vision of creating and
managing large scale places where people can live, work, prosper
and achieve their potential.
“I look
forward to building on her success, and working with employees
across the Group, to deliver improved services and products to the
Group’s customers.”