Board members
Ritchie Johnson
Chair: elected 2 March 2023
Board member since: 2 March 2023
Ritchie Johnson was Director of Business Services at Aberdeenshire Council. He worked in social housing for 25 years, including 5 years as Director of Housing and Social Work. He is experienced in leading a number of Council services, including housing, social work, various corporate services and education. Ritchie brings with him substantial local government and committee experience, as well as established local relationships across Grampian that will support the Board and the Association in its work.
Ritchie has a BA (Hons) in Urban Studies from the University of Sussex and Diploma in Housing Studies from Stirling University. Has previously served on the Board of the Rural Housing Service.
Ritchie enjoys new challenges and has a positive outlook. He wished to join the GHA Board because he has a long-standing commitment to housing and all the services and value that can bring to people’s lives.
Greg Barker
Board Member since 31 August 2022
Greg is a results-oriented Human Resources (HR) professional who works as a Pay & Benefits Consultant at the NHS – Health Education England. He has broad experience in all areas of HR, and has a background in people and project management providing valuable insight into the numerous workforces that he supports.
Greg is also an experienced landlord, having managed a property portfolio since 2008 that includes single-family homes and multi-unit buildings. He brings this valuable property experience to the Board of Kirkgate, in addition to his learning as a HR professional.
Stewart Davidson
Board member since: 10 December 2019
Stewart is CEO of Rubislaw Estates and has over 30 years’ experience working in the local property scene, gaining invaluable knowledge of development and planning. Of particular note was his involvement in the substantial project in the purchase, development and sale of Rubislaw Quarry.
Due to his expertise in development and property, Stewart represents GHA on the Board of its subsidiary, Kirkgate Developments, as well as providing industry expertise to staff.
Stewart is a Burgess of Guild of the city of Aberdeen and a patron of local charities. He was motivated to join the Board to help support the Association in providing quality and affordable social housing locally.
Esther Legunsen
Board member since: November 2021
Esther is an experienced secretary to academic boards with years of administrative and management expertise. Esther holds a Bachelor of Arts in French Language, a Master of Arts in International Relations and a Master of Science in Management respectively. Esther is very passionate about supporting effective decision-making processes and ensuring diversity for the provision of quality and affordable social housing within Aberdeen and its environs.
Andy MacBeath
Board member since: 12 April 2023
John McCord
Board member since: 12 April 2023
Shen Selvam
Shen has been in the oil and gas industry for 20 years in a variety of operational management and project engineer roles. Currently he is a Senior Project Manager specialising in subsea and wellhead operations. Shen’s areas of expertise include operations management, strategic planning, change management, and strategic planning.
Shen holds a Bachelor of Engineering degree, a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Science in Marketing.
Shen represents Grampian Housing Association on the Kirkgate Board also sits on the parent company's Finance, Assurance & Staffing Committee. He is the Association’s Digital Champion, assisting with the development and implementation of the Association’s Digital Strategy.
As an avid traveller, Shen has observed many different cultures and our shared need for a place to call home; something not all of us are fortunate to be able to do. Having lived in Aberdeen for more than 20 years, Shen joined Grampian Housing Association's Board to help make a difference in the lives of the communities it supports.
