New chief executive starts work at First Choice Homes Oldham today

This week our new Chief Executive, Mark Gifford, officially started work and has pledged to build on our strong foundations and deliver the housing people need.

Mark, who lives locally, said he was proud and honoured to take the role. He explained his focus would be on building and managing the best possible housing, listening to tenants’ views and making communities safer and stronger.

A top priority for us is to build more much-needed family homes, and Mark wants FCHO to become an anchor organisation in Oldham. He will be working closely with many stakeholders to improve residents’ lives.

Mark said: “I would like to thank everyone for such a warm welcome and I am delighted, proud and honoured to be the new chief executive of a housing association full of caring staff who take their responsibilities to our customers seriously.

“My aim is to build on the tremendous work FCHO has achieved already. Our priorities will be to focus on our customers and our important role in Oldham as a major landlord and employer. Another important priority and a huge challenge is the urgent need to build more family homes for local people.

"At the same time, we will further develop the bonds we need to strengthen our communities in partnership with councils, the government and other local organisations.”

He added: “This area is a huge part of my life and where I call home. My wife is a deputy head in an Oldham primary school and my children were educated locally. This is a long-term role and one I feel I have worked towards throughout my professional career.”

Mark has considerable senior leadership experience and a proven track record in both the public and private sectors.

He was previously CEO of the National Citizen Service – a royal charter body offering programmes for young people to help them build confidence, life skills and stronger communities.

Before that he spent 23 years with the John Lewis Partnership in a variety of senior leadership roles, including leading all the Waitrose supermarkets.

Mark is also a non-executive director of Manchester University Foundation Hospital Trust and a School Academy Director. This role had given him insight into the direct link between good quality housing, academic outcomes and stronger communities, he explained.

Chair of the Board Amanda Harris welcomed Mark and added: “We have been extremely impressed with his values-driven, passionate and inspiring leadership approach that aligns very closely to our own values and ambitions.

“Mark’s wealth of experience, plus his strong knowledge of the local area, will help take us forward and deliver our vision of providing quality homes, fostering pride, and enhancing lives in our communities.”

Mark takes over from interim CEO Anne McLoughlin whom he thanked for all her hard work and good advice as he prepared to take over the role.