Homes for Scotland (HFS) has appointed Ken Gillespie as Chair on a three year term with immediate effect.

A key figure in the UK construction and home building industries with over 33 years’ experience, Ken has been responsible for the development and delivery of residential, commercial and infrastructure schemes both nationally and overseas.  Most recently he was Chief Operating Officer of FTSE 250 company Galliford Try where he oversaw revenues of more than £2 billion before he stood down from the Board in 2016.

HFS Chief Executive Nicola Barclay said:

“This is a significant appointment for us.  Ken’s work consulting with a wide range of stakeholders, together with his knowledge and understanding of what is required to deliver complex projects (such as the Queensferry Crossing) within our communities, brings a new dimension and perspective to our organisation.  

Very much a facilitator and solutions-focused, his expertise will guide us forward as we look to increase our collaboration with those who can generate the change that is required to support the building of more homes, including government at all levels."

Ken takes the reins at a time when housing completion levels remain 36 per cent down on pre-recession levels and members tell HFS that it has never been harder to open new sites and get much needed new homes out of the ground. 

“Having worked in the construction and home building sectors my whole life, I am delighted to represent an industry which is absolutely vital to the social and economic wellbeing of the people of Scotland.