North West growth and regeneration group Torus is pleased to announce that Paul Burns has been appointed as Chair of the Group Board with effect from 1st January 2022. He succeeds Graham Burgess who, after three years as Chair of the amalgamated group, will remain on the Board as Torus’ Vice Chair.

Paul was appointed Chair of the LMH Group in 2017 and has been Vice Chair of Torus since the amalgamation in January 2019, which created the region’s largest affordable homes provider.

An experienced barrister and leader in Local Government and Social Housing law, his knowledge of Housing Management, Property Law and Human Rights, together with his extensive board experience and focus on governance, will enable an effective transition of Board leadership.

Paul commented:

“I am privileged to be appointed Chair of the Torus Group Board, particularly at a time when the Group’s core role to support resilient communities is so important.

“I am grateful to Graham for his dedication and passion, which have helped to make Torus the strong and purposeful group it is today, and I look forward to working with Graham and the wider Board to ensure we provide the right levels of challenge and support to the Executive Team.”

Graham became Chair of Torus following the merger of Helena and Golden Gates Housing Trust in 2015 and continued as Chair following Torus’ amalgamation with LMH Group from January 2019.

He added:

“I am incredibly proud of Torus’ achievements since amalgamation, and particularly how the group has stepped up to support communities through the challenges of Covid-19.

“We have a clear and distinct strategy for the future to deliver the Torus mission of ‘growing stronger communities’. I cannot think of anyone better than Paul to take the Chair role and I look forward to supporting him moving forward.”