Richard Hill named interim HCA boss

The deputy chief executive of the Homes and Communities Agency Richard Hill has been appointed interim chief executive of the body, it has been confirmed.

The move has been made as the organisation continues its search for a permanent chief executive, with the current boss, Pat Ritchie, due to leave the body on Friday to become chief executive of Newcastle council.

Hill is currently the deputy chief executive and director of programmes at the body, and will take up the new role on 26 January.

Hill has overseen the move to the £1.8bn Affordable Rent investment programme, as well as tendering for a new housebuilder framework to deliver homes on HCA-owned sites.

Hill said: ‘I am pleased to take on leadership of the HCA during a challenging yet exciting period. My priority will be to ensure that the HCA meets its year end delivery targets, while business planning for the year ahead and making a strong contribution to the government’s 2015/16 spending review.’

Robert Napier, chair of the HCA, said: ‘Richard has a wealth of experience and a strong existing leadership role at the agency, and as deputy chief executive he is the natural choice to lead the agency throughout this crucial year end period.’

Hill was previously director of investment at the Housing Corporation, and before that held senior roles at NHSU and the New Opportunities Fund.