The North East’s largest Registered Social Landlord, Grampian Housing Association, has announced the appointment of three new directors as it sets out on delivering a new business plan.

Alexander Carle becomes director of asset management while Carol Reid becomes director of customer services and Linda Clarke director of finance.  They join Craig Stirrat, group CEO and Malcolm McNeil, depute CEO in a strengthened Executive Team.

All postholders have considerable experience with the Association as well as from the wider public, private and charitable sectors. 

Alexander Carle, who has been with the Association since 2014 said:- “I have the opportunity to work with exceptional colleagues who share a vision to provide the best quality, safe and most affordable homes for our customers.

“I am extremely passionate about ensuring Grampian delivers on its vision particularly as we manage the immediate concerns relating to the current cost of living crisis.

“We also have to look to the future and tackle major challenges as the world struggles to find climate change solutions.  I truly feel the solutions are already available and with practical Government support, we can positively influence industry, contractors and the private sector so that the transition to better performing homes and meeting decarbonization targets can provide local employment and affordable well maintained homes for our customers.”

Carol Reid’s housing career began in 1992 and she has held various roles in Grampian Housing Association since 2001. 

Speaking about the post of director of customer services Carol Reid said: “I am delighted to be appointed into this new role and I am looking forward to working with the teams to embed The Grampian Deal, our new tenant experience initiative, into our processes.  This will ensure that our commitment to offer a high quality and responsive service to our customers is delivered.

“We know that the last few years have been challenging for many of our tenants with some having to make impossible choices between heating their homes or feeding their families and I am committed to our social policy objectives of supporting our tenants throughout these challenging times.”

Linda Clarke a chartered certified accountant who has been working for the Association since 2012 in various senior finance roles, said  “I am delighted to be appointed Director of Finance and I am looking forward to working with colleagues and stakeholders by contributing to the overall strategic direction and vision of the Grampian Group.  As we work through a challenging period with the current economic climate and cost of living crisis, Grampian’s financial strength and resilience will take us forward for the future to help create a sustainable and supportive environment for all to thrive and continue to provide affordable housing and services that support our communities.”

Craig Stirrat, chief executive officer said: “I am delighted to announce the appointment of a new executive team to lead on the delivery of a  new and ambitious business plan.

“We live in unprecedented times and the changes and challenges affecting the social rented sector have never been so intense. It is therefore necessary that a growing housing association like Grampian has the strategic leadership capacity to ensure the Association can achieve the best outcomes it can for its tenants and customers.

“Collectively, the new executive team has almost 150 years’ experience in the social rented sector with success in delivering great services and great homes.  The new team looks forward to celebrating Grampian’s 50 year anniversary in delivering quality, affordable homes and serving communities in 2025.”

Grampian serves over 3,700 social rent and mid market rent households, along with over 1,000 factored owners and almost 500 sharing owners throughout Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and Moray.  It has a substantial development programme of new build homes and is committed to adding 600 properties to its portfolio by 2024 to play its part in addressing significant unmet housing need in the area.