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Notting Hill Genesis (NHG) has appointed its first new permanent chair since being formed through a merger.
Ian Ellis has been selected to head the board of the 64,000-home London housing association and will take over on 1 September.
NHG was formed through a merger between Notting Hill Housing and Genesis in April 2018.
Mr Ellis will replace James Wardlaw, who has been acting chair on an interim basis since Dipesh Shah, former chair of Genesis, stepped down in January.
He 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.”
Mr Ellis, who has been chair of NHS Property Services since 2016, has worked in real estate for more than 40 years.
In 1998, he helped found Trillium, the UK’s first integrated property, construction and facilities management firm, and became chief executive of Land Securities Trillium following an acquisition in 2000.
He remains chair at facilities management firm Arcus and an independent director of Portman Settled Estates.
In April, issues emerged with NHG’s repairs services in Kensington and Chelsea.
Kate Davies, chief executive of NHG, 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.”
She added: “James has provided committed, energetic support for me and the board over the past six months which has helped ensure we now face the future with equanimity.”
NHG appointed the new chair from a long list of more than 100 candidates and six interviewees.