L&Q chief Fiona Fletcher-Smith to become G15 chair in June, as major new member confirmed

Ms Fletcher-Smith has become vice-chair of the organisation, replacing Richard Hill who has stepped down after serving in the role since July 2021. She will take over the top job on 3 June when Metropolitan Thames Valley Housing (MTVH) chief executive Geeta Nanda’s tenure comes to an end.

Ms Fletcher-Smith brings almost 30 years of experience in the housing sector, including nearly five years at 107,000-home L&Q, where she has been chief executive since September 2020 and was previously director of development and sales.

Prior to joining L&Q, Ms Fletcher-Smith was executive director for development, enterprise and environment at the Greater London Authority.

During its term as G15 chair, L&Q will be supported by Peabody as vice-chair.

Riverside to join G15

One Housing chief executive Mr Hill is due to move to BPHA, which is not a G15 member, in April. He will become chief executive of the 9,500 home social landlord after spending the past five years in the same role at One Housing. 

During that time, One Housing joined the G15 in 2018 and merged with Riverside in December 2021 to create a 75,000-home social landlord. After One Housing completes its terms of engagement process with Riverside at the end of March 2023, Riverside will become a member of the G15 on 1 April 2023.

When Riverside joins, the G15 will have 13 members in total who will be responsible for a combined 770,000 homes across the country.

Ms Nanda said: “I’d like to thank Richard for his contribution to the G15 as vice-chair, and throughout his time leading One Housing.

“Richard has highlighted the important role members play in the social care system and has been a great support on so many different issues. We wish him all the best at BPHA.”

“I’m thrilled Fiona and L&Q have agreed to become vice-chair now, and to take on the leadership of G15 from June. It’s a critical time for the sector, and the people we provide homes to. Fiona and L&Q’s experience will be invaluable to the group, and the partners we work with, in continuing our efforts to tackle the housing crisis.”