Stuart Ropke appointed as new CHC Group Chief Executive

We are pleased to announce that Stuart Ropke has been appointed as the CHC Group's new Chief Executive.

Stuart is currently the Assistant Director of Policy and Research at the National Housing Federation. In this role, he ensures that the organisation’s policy and research work supports the NHF’s effective influencing of government and other key stakeholders. His team of 35 is the largest housing policy and research resource in the UK, outside government. He has previously worked for Cardiff and Swansea City Councils and Southern Housing Group.

Stuart said: “I’m tremendously honoured to have been appointed as Group Chief Executive at Community Housing Cymru, but sad to be leaving the National Housing Federation after almost 10 years where I’ve worked with an incredibly talented and committed team. I passionately believe that the wide ranging work that housing associations do transforms people’s lives for the better and am absolutely committed to ensuring that the policy and operating environment allows them to deliver their huge potential.

“I’m joining an organisation that is already achieving great things in Wales, and hope I can play my part in ensuring it records even greater achievements in the future.”

John Keegan, Chair of Community Housing Cymru’s National Council and chair of the appointment panel said: “After a very intensive recruitment process and an extremely high standard of applicants, we were delighted to offer the post to Stuart. He not only brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience gained at the National Housing Federation, but also a huge passion for the work that Housing Associations do. It was evident that he has a clear vision of where he wants to take the CHC Group and with his leadership and drive, the staff team and sector will be ready to embark on this new chapter with an inspirational leader at the helm. The reaction from the Welsh sector to date is one of excitement and we are all eagerly awaiting his arrival in October”.

Nick Bennett, CHC’s current Chief Executive is leaving to become the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales after 8 years at working at the Group.