Great Places Housing Group

£345,000,000 4.75 per cent Secured Bonds due 2042 (ISIN Number XS0842152281)

Cath Purdy appointed as new Chair of Great Places Board and appointment of four new Board Members from September 2025

Following the latest round of recruitment, we're delighted to announce that we have appointed Great Places' first female Chair, Cath Purdy, as well as four new Board Members.

Mervyn Jones's tenure as Chair will come to an end in September 2025, which is also when the other changes will come into effect.   

Mervyn joined the Great Places Board in 2020 during the merger with Equity, and he took over as Chair in January 2024. He has overseen significant change in the business, including the appointment of CEO Alison Dean and the launch of our ambitious Corporate Plan, called Here For Our Customers.

Commenting on the appointment, Mervyn said: "I'm delighted that Cath has been appointed as my successor. She's an excellent fit for the role and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the organisation. Her energy and vision will help Great Places continue on its journey of delivering Great Homes, Great Communities and Great People and making a positive difference to the lives of our customers." 

Cath added: "I am delighted to be appointed as the new Chair of Great Places Board, and I very much look forward to starting in the role.

"I have long admired Great Places and the fantastic impact it has across the communities it serves. Despite current challenges, there are a great many opportunities, and I look forward to working with the Board, Alison and team to ensure that we continue to be the best we can. 

"I have big shoes to fill, as Mervyn will be a hard act to follow. Under his leadership Great Places retains a strong reputation nationally and is a well-respected partner in strategic operating areas. I am proud to take on the mantle and will use my skills and experience of over 35 years in social housing to support Great Places in its ambitions."

In addition to Cath's appointment, we are also pleased to announce our other new Board Members:

·    Archana Makol - NED, Member of Audit and Assurance Committee

·    Caroline Osler - NED, also sitting on Remuneration and Appraisal Committee

·    Mark Patchitt - NED, Member of Growth Committee

·    Dean Clegg - NED, Chair of Growth Committee

Full biographies of current Board members can be found on our website.

If you have any queries, please contact [email protected]