John Cridland CBE has been appointed as the chair of national housing, health and care provider Home Group from July 19.

The appointment will see Cridland, who has led significant policy reform at a national level, take the helm to support Home Group in driving forward plans to build 10,000 new homes and become market leaders in new models of care.

Responsible for the success of many significant initiatives across multiple sectors, Cridland’s impressive CV boasts several prestigious roles including chairman with Transport for the North, pro chancellor at Brunel University and director general of the CBI.

In these roles he has achieved statutory status for the first ever strategic transport plan for the North, made the case for a radical reform to the education system to tackle disadvantage and give all young people a chance, led the UK government’s independent review into the state pension age and led a successful campaign for a new approach to infrastructure investment.

The appointment will follow six successful years’ leadership under outgoing chair, Bob Davies, who played an integral role in Home Group’s sustained growth since 2013.

Home Group CEO, Mark Henderson, praised Bob Davies’ invaluable contribution during his tenure.

He said: “Bob has played a significant role in Home Group’s development into what it is today. Bob’s leadership and vision has helped to guide us through some incredibly challenging times for the sector, taking measured risks to drive innovation.”

Mark added: “We are delighted that John will be joining us. He brings with him a wealth of expertise that will enhance our skillset with a unique combination of education, transport, business and, now, housing. This will help us to ensure that we remain at the forefront of progressive thinking in the sector.”

John Cridland said: “I am delighted to join the Board of one of the UK’s biggest and most dynamic housing organisations.

“Home Group is working hard to find new solutions to tackle the housing crisis as well as the increasing pressures seen within the NHS. It is collaborative and holistic in its thinking and approach, puts the customer at the centre of everything it does and I look forward to supporting the great work that they do.”

Home Group’s Board boasts a wealth of expertise and viewpoints from across the charitable and local authority sectors, the development and construction industry, finance, law and, most importantly, Home Group’s diverse customer base.

Bob Davies added: “It’s been a real privilege to play such a key role for an organisation that supports more than 140,000 people across the country.

“Having spent many years as Home Group’s chair, it is the right time to hand over the reins and I am genuinely excited to see how things progress – for the organisation, but, importantly, the thousands of people it supports.”