Mark Gifford has taken the helm at First Choice Homes Oldham with a promise to expand the housing association’s 11,500-home portfolio and cement its role as a community cornerstone.

The new chief executive, who lives locally with his family, said building more family homes stands as his top priority as he assumes leadership of the organisation that serves Oldham and surrounding areas. “My aim is to build on the tremendous work FCHO has achieved already,” Gifford stated. “Another important priority and a huge challenge is the urgent need to build more family homes for local people.”

Gifford brings extensive senior leadership experience from both public and private sectors to the role. The 53-year-old previously served as CEO of the National Citizen Service, a royal charter body offering youth development programmes, and spent 23 years with the John Lewis Partnership, including leading all Waitrose supermarkets. He currently serves as a non-executive director of Manchester University Foundation Hospital Trust and a School Academy Director, experience he said has shown him “the direct link between good quality housing, academic outcomes and stronger communities.”

The new CEO emphasised his commitment to listening to tenants and strengthening communities through partnerships with councils, government bodies and local organisations. “This area is a huge part of my life and where I call home,” Gifford noted, adding that his wife serves as deputy head at an Oldham primary school and his children were educated locally. “This is a long-term role and one I feel I have worked towards throughout my professional career.”

FCHO Board Chair Amanda Harris praised Gifford’s appointment, saying his “values-driven, passionate and inspiring leadership approach” aligns closely with the organisation’s mission. Gifford succeeds interim CEO Anne McLoughlin, whom he thanked for her guidance during the transition.

---

Source: Read original article