Pat Ritchie has been appointed to the post of chief executive of the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA), the Agency’s chairman Robert Napier announced.
Currently the HCA’s director for the North East, Pat will now lead the Agency through a significant period of change including development of its continuing role as a smaller, enabling and investment organisation.
Pat takes up her new role as of 1 November and will remain in post until a permanent appointment is made next year. She replaces Sir Bob Kerslake who moves to be Permanent Secretary at CLG.
Robert Napier, chairman of the HCA, said: “I and the HCA board are delighted that Pat Ritchie will be our new chief executive. We were fortunate to be able to recruit from an extremely talented pool of existing directors and in doing so we considered a number of strong applicants.”
“In Pat we have the right person to lead the HCA. She has a strong track record of achievement, both in the North East and in leading change at a national level, as well as the respect of staff and the sector as a whole. Pat has the talent and skills to drive the Agency forward.”
Pat Ritchie said: “I am excited to be leading the Agency at this crucial time. The job ahead will be extremely challenging as we reshape the HCA to support the Government’s commitment to localism and drive out the best possible value for public money. The HCA has an important long term role and a strong offer to make to local authorities to help deliver their ambitions.”
“Through our successful delivery we have demonstrated a culture of adaptability and a capacity for change, and as we approach the outcome of the spending review this characteristic will be key in effectively shaping our future. The HCA is made up of talented and committed staff and I am honoured to be at the helm.”
The HCA Board decided to recruit a chief executive from the pool of internal candidates whose detailed understanding of the operation and aspirations of the Agency would ensure a swift transfer of responsibilities and maintain business momentum.
Pat Ritchie has been the HCA’s director for the North East since the Agency was launched in December 2008. As well as being responsible for all investment and activity in the region, Pat has also led on a number of significant national initiatives for the HCA, including Local Investment Planning, the main business process for the Agency. Pat has also acted as HCA lead on Local Employment Partnerships, Core Cities and the Northern Way. She was instrumental in developing and implementing the Agency’s regional structure; and under her leadership in 2009/10 the HCA met or exceeded all of its key outputs in the North East.
Prior to joining the HCA, Pat was assistant chief executive (Strategy) at One North East; and before this was deputy chief executive of The Wise Group, an employment and training company. Pat has also held senior management roles with EDI, chaired the Scottish Urban Regeneration Forum, and worked in various posts in economic development and regeneration for Newcastle and Sunderland City Councils.
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