We're delighted to announce that Mike Gaskell has been appointed as our new Group Chair from 1 April 2023.

After a comprehensive recruitment process, we’re excited that Mike will add his extensive experience of both the Housing sector and senior leadership roles to our organisation, at such a challenging time for all Registered Providers.

Mike qualified as a solicitor in 1980 and became Managing Partner of Trowers & Hamlins’ Manchester office (specialising in corporate, governance and regulatory work for Housing Associations). Having Chaired the founding Board of Trafford Housing Trust from 2005 - a role he describes as “just about the best thing I have ever done” –  he has more recently served as Chair of the Leeds & Yorkshire Housing Association and as a Board member at Weaver Vale Housing Trust and at Wakefield and District Housing.

Mike succeeds current Chair Richard Groome, with a handover period from January 2023.  Richard is retiring from the Board following his completion of two full terms of office.

The Group Board wishes to thank Richard Groome for his valuable service to YHG over the last six years and welcomes Mike’s leadership at an important time as the Group prepares to meet the challenges both within the sector and the wider external environment. 

Richard Groome commented:

“I am very grateful to have held a key role in YHG’s significant development and successes over the last six years.  I am excited about the future of YHG and the continued progress it will make under Mike’s leadership towards becoming a truly customer-centric organisation.”

Mike Gaskell added:

“Richard has made a great contribution to the Board of YHG, both as Deputy and Chair, and I look forward to steering the Board forward through what will be a challenging and exciting period for YHG.”