New chief executive announced at First Choice Homes Oldham

We have appointed Mark Gifford to the role of Chief Executive of First Choice Homes Oldham (FCHO).

Mark will join our organisation, which owns 11,500 homes in Oldham and surrounding areas, in the autumn.

He brings with him many successful years of senior leadership experience in both the public and private sector and demonstrates an unwavering commitment to serving society and customer-focused services.

Mark is currently Chief Executive at the National Citizen Service, a Royal Charter Body, that helps young people across the country achieve their potential and build bridges between communities.

Prior to this, he held a range of senior positions over two decades at the John Lewis Partnership, the UK’s largest employee-owned business, where he was responsible for the successful running of all the Waitrose and Partner’s supermarkets and the 48,000 partners who work in them.

In addition, Mr Gifford, who lives in Greater Manchester, also holds a Non-Executive Director role at the Manchester University NHS Hospital Trust and Foundation Director at the Diocese of Westminster Academy Trust.

Speaking about the appointment, Amanda Harris, Chair of our Board said: “We’re delighted to announce the appointment of Mark and welcome him to lead our great organisation.

“Throughout the rigorous recruitment process, we have been extremely impressed with his values-driven, passionate and inspiring leadership approach that aligns very closely to our own values and ambitions.

“Our customers and the communities in which they live are at the heart of FCHO and Mark’s wealth of experience successfully leading customer-focused organisations 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 Oldham.”

Mark Gifford added: “I am truly delighted to be joining First Choice Homes Oldham, it is a great organisation with fabulous people serving a wonderful community.

“In my roles in the private and public sector I have come to realise that a safe and quality home is a foundation stone to a healthier life, a strong community and improved life chances and I look forward to working with colleagues and customers to ensure FCHO continues to make a positive difference, fulfils its vision and shows why it is more than just a landlord.”

Our Interim CEO, Anne McLoughlin, will stay with FCHO until handover and we are grateful for her support through this time of change.