Sir Edward Lister has been appointed the new chairman of the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA).

Sir Edward joins the regulator of social housing providers in England with years of experience of the housing sector. For the last five years he has been London’s Deputy Mayor for policy and planning and chief of staff at the Greater London Authority (GLA).

His wide-ranging role there included increasing public land disposals and developing new finance models to sustain long-term investment in the capital’s infrastructure.

Prior to joining the GLA, Sir Edward was leader of Wandsworth Council for 19 years.

Communities Secretary Greg Clark said: “The UK government is determined to help anyone who aspires to own their own home achieve their dream.

“The HCA has a big role to play in driving up housing; Sir Edward’s experience and leadership that he brings to the HCA will ensure it is delivering the homes our nation needs.”

Sir Edward Lister added: “I am excited to be joining the Homes and Communities Agency at this time to drive forward delivery of the most ambitious programme for housing in decades.

“I look forward to helping to build the capability of the Agency to deliver thousands of new homes across the country and meet people’s aspirations for owning their own home.”

Sir Edward, who replaces interim chair Kevin Parry who stood in following Robert Napier’s departure, takes up his position in July after his appointment was confirmed by the Communities and Local Government Select Committee.