Newent-based Two Rivers Housing has appointed Ted Pearce as its new chair to replace Yvonne Leishman who will step down at the end of her term in October 2024.

Ted was appointed as chair designate in April, following a rigorous recruitment process. He has served on the Two Rivers Housing Board since 2019 and currently chairs the Two Rivers Development Board.

He has more than 40 years' experience in the property sector and was the director of strategic asset management at Orbit Housing Association until he made the decision to focus on his non-executive work in 2024.

As a chartered surveyor and a fellow of both the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and the Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (RSA), Ted has a real passion for community-based housing providers.

Yvonne joined the housing association's group board in 2017 and was appointed as chair the following year. As a former president of the Chartered Institute of Housing and Chair of Housemark, she has worked tirelessly to create excellent homes and services throughout her career. Her commitment to the housing sector was formally recognised in 2005, when she received an OBE for services to social housing.

Over the last six years, Yvonne has led Two Rivers Housing, ensuring that tenants remain at the heart of its decision making. She will work alongside Ted over the next few months to ensure a smooth handover.

Hayley Selway, chief executive of Two Rivers Housing, said: "Yvonne has been a fantastic chair for this organisation. Over the last six years, she has guided us through two IDAs and been a real advocate for keeping tenants at the heart of Two Rivers Housing. I'd like to thank her for everything she has done for our organisation and wish her a long and happy retirement.

"Replacing Yvonne was always going to be challenging, but we were fortunate to have some excellent candidates apply for the role. Following the recruitment process, we have appointed Ted Pearce to the position.

"During the interview process, Ted set out his ambitions for Two Rivers Housing and a clear commitment to helping us become the best community-based housing association in the UK. Alongside this, his knowledge and experience of the property and construction industries together with the housing sector, meant he stood out as the best candidate for the job.

"I'm really looking forward to working with him as we continue on our mission to ensure that everyone has a warm, safe, affordable home."

Two Rivers Housing provides more than 4,400 homes for families across the Forest of Dean and the surrounding area, and is committed to increasing the availability of affordable housing in its neighbourhoods.