Housing association L&Q has appointed development and sales group director Fiona Fletcher-Smith as its new chief executive, replacing David Montague with immediate effect.
Fletcher-Smith previously led large-scale development and strategic land programmes, including the 10,800-home Barking Riverside project, L&Q’s joint venture with the Greater London Authority and a strategic partnership with the mayor of London to deliver 20,000 new homes across the capital.
She also oversaw L&Q’s expansion outside the South East, with more than 1,400 homes now under construction in the Midlands, and a further 20,000 planned for the North West through the acquisition of Trafford Housing Trust in 2019.
Her previous roles include nine years at the GLA, latterly as executive director of development and environment, where she was responsible for leading strategies including the London Plan and the Economic Development Strategy. She also oversaw the operation of the mayor’s powers in relation to significant planning applications in the capital.
In her new role, she will be responsible for leading a five-year strategy that will set out how L&Q will continue to tackle the housing crisis.
Fletcher-Smith said that the housing association’s “ambition to enable the creation of 100,000 homes remains”, but that the pace of delivery will “ease in the short term”.
“This country faces countless housing issues, but the pandemic has taught us to be imaginative and discover new and better ways of doing things, so a new dawn awaits,” she said.
Aubrey Adams, chair of L&Q, said: “As well as her deep knowledge and understanding of the challenges facing L&Q, [Fletcher-Smith] brings with her a wealth of experience from a career dedicated to housing.”
Montague, who announced his intention to step down in September, will leave L&Q this month after 33 years with the organisation, including 13 as chief executive.
Adams said: “We… take this opportunity to profoundly thank David Montague, who has spent the last three decades championing social housing and has led L&Q to become one of the most influential organisations in the sector.”
See also: Lockdown diaries: L&Q’s Fiona Fletcher-Smith
See also: The EG Interview: L&Q’s David Montague
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