Changes at the top for social housing specialist

Social housing specialist Mears has announced a major shake up at the top of the firm.

The Gloucestershire company which manages social housing announced its chief executive David Miles was retiring this year.

Lucas Critchley will take the position of CEO in January 2024.

And following Jim Clarke’s appointment as chair Nick Wharton has been appointed as a Non-Executive Director and Chair of Audit and Risk Committee.

David Mile will remain a key member of the senior management team and has committed to continue to provide support to the business over the medium term with particular focus on key client engagement, operational support and driving commercial performance.

Nick Wharton is a chartered accountant with extensive finance and corporate governance experience gained, both in the UK and internationally, through executive and non-executive positions in consumer companies under both public and private equity ownership.

Nick has been group chief financial officer at three public companies and audit committee chair at four businesses including three FTSE listed companies.

Nick was formerly CFO of Pepco NV, Superdry plc and Halfords Group plc and was also chief executive at Dunelm and is currently non-executive director and audit committee chair at Oriflame Holding Limited and AG Barr plc.

The group’s Employee Director, Hema Nar, has elected for her position to become a non-statutory appointment and Companies House will be notified.

This will enable Hema to solely focus on being an effective link between the board and the workforce.

During 2023, the group has greatly enhanced this function, with the addition of both a deputy employee director and a trade representative.

These three individuals perform regular branch visits, are highly visible and are in frequent contact with the executive team which has become an increasingly valuable channel of communication.

Hema will continue to attend and present at every Board meeting, and the change to a non-statutory position will not dilute the importance or significance of the role.

Jim Clarke, Chairman of Mears, said: “It is reassuring that the transition from David to Lucas has been seamless and proceeded exactly as planned. David’s contribution to the development of Mears has been immense over many years and I am particularly pleased that he will continue to play an important role in the business going forward.

“I am pleased to secure the appointment of Nick Wharton to the Board of Mears. He brings a broad range of strong financial, commercial, and strategic experience gained over a long and successful executive career. I believe that his experience will bring value to Mears, and I look forward to working with him.

“I believe that the reclassification of Hema’s role is appropriate for both Hema and the Group. It is reassuring that the Board will continue to fully benefit from the important work undertaken by Hema and her support team. I am also pleased that this new appointment, together with the reclassification of Hema’s role, means that the Board is once again compliant with the Corporate Governance Code.”