Directorate change

Platform HG Financing PLC

15 January 2026

 

Platform HG Financing plc

Platform Housing Group appoints Helen Gillett as new Chair Designate

Platform Housing Group has announced the appointment of Helen Gillett as its new Chair Designate, with a formal handover due to take place in spring 2026.

Helen brings more than 30 years' experience in customer service leadership, working across social housing, telecoms and the water industry.  She currently serves as Senior Independent Director on the Board of Orbit Group Ltd, where she chairs the Customer Service Committee and acts as the statutory Member Responsible for Complaints.

She is also interim Chair of the Government Property Agency and interim Independent Complaints Reviewer for HM Land Registry, alongside mentoring roles for a number of social mobility and inclusion programmes.

Helen said: "I'm delighted to be joining Platform and very much looking forward to supporting everyone in the organisation to continue to improve how we deliver for our residents.  Platform stood out to me as a values-led organisation with a strong operational base and clear ambition.  I was particularly drawn to the people-focused nature of the role, something that reflects my own belief that success always comes down to how well we support our customers and our colleagues."

Helen's appointment comes as John Weguelin, who has chaired the Board since 2019, prepares to step down at the end of his term.    Under John's leadership, Platform has achieved significant growth, maintained financial strength and improved customer service performance, while navigating major sector wide challenges.

John said: "It has been an absolute privilege to have led Platform over the last six years.  I am exceptionally proud of everything that Platform has achieved for its customers during that period and believe that the organisation is well positioned for the next stage of its growth.  By appointing Helen as its new Chair, Platform has identified someone who recognises its values, the importance of our customers - and our Customer First strategy - and will lead the organisation to carry on delivering more new homes and an even better customer experience. I would like to thank all our stakeholders - customers, colleagues, partners and Board members - for their support over the last six years and assure them that we will continue to work to deliver a smooth transition over the coming months."

Elizabeth Froude, Chief Executive Officer at Platform Housing Group said: "We are incredibly grateful to John for his steady insight and unwavering commitment to Platform over the past six years.  We're thrilled to welcome Helen into the organisation.  Her commercial background, customer focus and inclusive leadership style will bring great strength to the Board as we move into the next phase of our strategy.  Her energy and alignment with our values really stood out during the appointment process."

Helen will begin a structured handover with John and the Board during Q4, with a full transition to Chair planned from late March to early April 2026.

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