Grand Union appoints new Chair

Affordable housing provider, Grand Union Housing Group (GUHG), has appointed James Macmillan as its new Board Chair.

He will be replacing Harry Walker who successfully guided Grand Union through unification in October 2018 and who leaves his post this September following nine years as a Board member.

James, who is no stranger to Grand Union having been an independent member of the Board for four years, has a background in financial services, having worked for Merrill Lynch Investment Managers and BlackRock, where, as Managing Director, he managed $3.5bn in international equity portfolios.

He said: “I’m indebted to Harry who has helped to bring Grand Union together as a single organisation following unification last year and I know he will leave GUHG in an excellent position.

“I’m really excited to continue to deliver the important work Grand Union does that makes such a difference to so many people’s lives.”

Current Chair, Harry Walker, said: “I’m really pleased for James and think this is a great appointment for Grand Union. I look forward to working with him to ensure a smooth transition. I know that I will be leaving Grand Union in safe hands.”

In addition to his role as a Grand Union Board member, James is also on the Board of the Milton Keynes Parks Trust and Chair of Whitecap Leisure.

Aileen Evans, Group Chief Executive, said: “I’m delighted that James has got the job. During his time on the Board he has already shown us his boundless energy and motivation to help us become the best organisation we can be. I look forward to working with him towards achieving our goals of building more homes, stronger communities and better lives.”James is also an independent executive coach, working with individuals and organisations who are looking to develop their careers, manage change and achieve their potential