Link Group Ltd has announced the appointment of Ross Martin as chair of the Link Group Board.

Ross has played a wide variety of roles in advisory, executive and leadership capacities, all of which have been focused on strengthening the resilience of Scotland’s economy through service design, development or delivery in academia, government, across the public, private and social sectors.

He is currently engaged at the Scottish, UK and European levels, and is active in a number of local projects around the country, having until recently been chief executive of the Scottish Council for Development of Industry.

Ross has a long track record of place-making and public service provision, with a range of roles which have engaged directly with the housing sector, including leading two highly regarded local authorities, working with major housebuilders and setting the policy context for housing through the planning system.

Ross said: “It is an honour to represent the Link Group, the values which it stands for, and which its staff team deliver every day. Creating a continuing connection between the strategic aims and vision of the organisation and the impact of its operations is an important aspect of the role, and I very much welcome the opportunity to do exactly that as chair.”

Ross succeeds Roy Stirrat, who stepped down at the AGM having been chair for three years and a board member, not only of Link Group itself but also of several of its subsidiaries, for 10 years.

Roy added: “It has been a privilege to have served on Link’s boards during a period of unprecedented challenge. Board members have been supported throughout by a whole range of expert and dedicated staff as we have turned potential threats into opportunities for the benefit of those who need us most. I thank them all.”

Link Group chief executive, Craig Sanderson, added: “We are delighted to welcome Ross onto the Link Group Board. His particular experience and expertise will help ensure that Link is well prepared to meet the significant challenges that lie ahead in terms of affordable –particularly social - housing provision and tenancy sustainment. We would also like to thank Roy for his years of service as a Board member as well as chair of Link Group. We wish him all the best for the future.”