A HOUSING group is set to welcome its new chairman.

Oswestry-based Desmond Hudson will replace Anne Ward as chairman of the Wrekin Housing Group later this month.

Shifnal resident Wayne Gethings will become the new group chief executive with immediate effect.

Chairman-designate Des Hudson said “It is a great privilege and honour to become chair of the Wrekin Housing Group. Anne, the rest of the board and our executive team have led the organisation with great skill and wisdom to secure a sound financial and governance footing for the group. It is with a sense of great anticipation that we move into the next phase of developing the Group and refining our services so that we can continue and develop the significant contribution the Group makes for our tenants, users, the region and the wider community.”

The Wrekin Housing Group has operations across Telford & Wrekin, Shropshire and Staffordshire.

Anne said “Following a highly competitive process I am delighted to announce that Wayne has been appointed as the new Group Chief Executive. Wayne brings huge enthusiasm and energy to the role and a wealth of experience within the Group having previously served as interim group chief executive, as well as in working with local and sector partners in the communities the group serves. I know that Wayne will continue to work hard and do his very best to deliver the Wrekin Housing Group’s objectives.

“Coinciding with Wayne’s appointment it is with great pleasure that I can also announce that Desmond Hudson will be taking over from me as group chair later this month. I have had a hugely enriching experience chairing the Wrekin Housing Group and I take personal pride in all that has been achieved during my tenure as chair. “