Clarion Housing Group announces new Chairman

Clarion Housing Group, the UK's largest not-for-profit housing association, announces the appointment of Jock Lennox as Chairman of the Clarion Housing Group Board.

He will take over from David Avery, who has completed his nine-year tenure with the Board and is stepping down after five years as Chair. Jock Lennox will start working with Clarion Housing Group from May 1st 2024. Following a handover period, David Avery will step down on 31 July 2024 and Jock will take over as Chairman.

Jock is a Chartered Accountant, with extensive experience across a range of sectors, including real estate and retail. He spent 30 years with Ernst & Young, holding a number of leadership positions in the UK and globally, including 20 years as a partner.

Since leaving EY, he has developed an active board career. He is currently Chairman of Johnson Service Group PLC and is a Non-Executive Director and Chair of the Audit Committee for Barratt Developments PLC. He was previously Chairman of EnQuest PLC and Hill & Smith Holdings PLC. He has also served on the boards of Dixons Carphone PLC, Oxford Instruments PLC and A&J Mucklow Group PLC.

Clare Miller, Clarion Housing Group’s Chief Executive, said:

“We are delighted to welcome Jock to Clarion. He brings tremendous energy and enthusiasm to the role, as well as extensive relevant experience. Jock’s appointment comes at a time of transition and challenge to our sector as we navigate the UK's desperate need for more social housing, an increasingly complex regulatory environment and significant financial pressures, as well as our need to retrofit our homes to reduce energy bills for our residents. I look forward to working with Jock to lead Clarion through this period.”

Jock Lennox, Clarion Housing Group’s incoming Chair, said:

“It is a privilege to join Clarion and its excellent team, who are dedicated to providing and maintaining homes for those who need them most. I look forward to supporting the executive and non-executive team, helping them continue the legacy of William Sutton, who bequeathed his fortune to provide homes for the working poor nearly 125 years ago. I want to thank David Avery for all his hard work in maintaining this legacy under his Chairmanship, and for his support in ensuring my smooth transition into the role.”