New Chair for Radius Housing

Radius Housing appoints former PWC Partner Martin Pitt as new Chairperson

Press Release - 1st February 2021

Radius Housing is delighted to confirm the appointment of Martin Pitt as their new Chairperson. Martin, who joined the Radius Board in 2019, takes over from retiring Diana Fitzsimons. 

Martin was previously Audit Partner at PriceWaterhouseCoopers until his retirement in 2018. He brings considerable expertise in financing and risk management gained over many years in the NI Social Housing and Public Sector. He also spearheaded the development of the NIFHA’s Annual Global Sector Account Report. Martin is the Chair of the Northern Ireland Audit Office Advisory Board and sits on the boards of a range of charities, providing financial expertise and advice.

As Chair and working with the Board he will continue to focus on tenant sustainability, growth and the enablement of thriving communities, and is keen to see Radius carefully maximise its resources for the benefit of the whole community. Radius is a social enterprise which successfully balances its values driven ethos with an innovative business acumen, while investing around £65m each year in the development and maintenance of social housing. It holds an A1 Moody’s credit rating, their highest such rating for a UK housing association. Last year Radius became the first local association to complete a private placement with UK and US investors, securing investment  of £105m for the development of new homes.

Speaking on his appointment, Martin said “It is a great honour to be appointed Chair of Radius Housing, particularly at such an important time for the organisation and the wider housing sector. I am very pleased to succeed Diana Fitzsimons who led Radius so successfully in its formative years. Well planned, quality social homes are the springboard to a better and fairer society for all. By getting the housing right, we improve health, education and employment prospects. Ultimately this will help to reduce poverty and give our young people the belief that they can not only improve the prospects for them and their families but for their whole neighbourhoods too. 

“I look forward to working with the Board, the Senior Management Team and all Radius staff, to continue to provide the best possible housing, care and support, in spite of the pandemic which is having a devastating impact on so many vulnerable people.”

John McLean, Chief Executive of Radius Housing said “We are delighted to announce that Martin Pitt is the new Chair of Radius Housing. Not only does Martin bring a great wealth of expertise in corporate finance, governance and social housing but he also has a terrific insight into best practice across the private, voluntary and public sectors.  He is a huge asset to Radius and the wider Social Housing family. Following in the footsteps of our outgoing Chair, Diana Fitzsimons, is a considerable task, but I know that Martin will put his own unique stamp on matters.”

Paying tribute to Diana Fitzsimons as she steps down as Chair, John added A great  deal of the   success of  Radius has been down to Diana’s leadership and her personal touch. Working with the Board she helped set the direction and priorities for our new organisation, with the customer at the centre. We all thank her for energy and clarity of vision and wish her every success in her retirement.”

ENDS

Notes

Martin Pitt

Martin Pitt FCA, MAcc, BSc (Hons) is a Chartered Accountant who worked as an audit partner for PriceWaterhouseCoopers until his retirement in 2018. With over thirty years of experience providing assurance services to a range of clients, Martin specialised in the charity and public sectors and worked extensively in the housing sector. He was involved in the development of the Housing Sector Accounts with NIFHA and is a specialist in governance and risk management. Martin has worked extensively across the sector and is familiar with the issues facing social housing.

Martin is the Chair of the Northern Ireland Audit Office Advisory Board and sits on the boards of a range of charities, providing financial expertise and advice. Martin brings a strong financial skill set to the Board, including experience of working with a range of regulators, ensuring the highest standards of service are maintained by the organisations in which he is involved.

Martin joined the Board in September 2019 and takes on the position of Chair from 1st February.

Further Information:

Brendan Scott

MW Advocate

07834422923

brendan.scott@mwadvocate.com