Places for People chair to stand down

Zenna Atkins is to leave the 60,000-home group after being appointed chief executive of global education company GEMS.

She will be replaced by Chris Phillips, who has sat on the Places for People board since 2006, on 1 September.

Mr Phillips has 30 years’ experience in the international financial services and real estate sectors.

He is currently non-executive chairman of residential developer Londonewcastle and a non-executive director of UK-based investment vehicle Mission Capital, which focuses on real estate investment.

Mr Phillips said Ms Atkins ‘leaves the group in a strong position, and has played a key role in steering Places for People towards its vision of creating and managing places where people can live, work, prosper and achieve their potential.

‘I look forward to building on her success, and working with the board, employees and all other stakeholders to deliver improved services and products to the group’s customers.’

Ms 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: ‘During [Ms Atkin’s] tenure 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.’