Scottish Borders Housing Association appoints new Chair
Ian McDonald has been announced as SBHA's new Chair succeeding Robin Hill
Ian McDonald has been announced as SBHA's new Chair succeeding Robin Hill
Scottish Borders Housing Association (SBHA) has appointed a new Chair, following its 23rd Annual General Meeting, held last week.
After nine years’ dedicated service, five of them as Chair, Robin Hill has stepped down from SBHA’s Board of Management. He is succeeded as Chair by Ian McDonald, a Chartered Accountant with more than 20 years of strategic financial experience, who has served on SBHA’s Board since 2017 and convened the Audit & Compliance Sub-Committee.
Robin Hill’s tenure as Chair has been marked by innovation, resilience, and growth. Under his leadership, SBHA navigated the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, secured a landmark £58 million loan facility from the Royal Bank of Scotland, and celebrated its 20th anniversary as one of Scotland’s most forward-thinking housing associations.
During his address to the AGM, Mr Hill reflected on the culture and values that define SBHA: “As I look back over the past five years, I see an organisation that has grown stronger, more confident, and more ambitious. What I feel most proud of is the culture of SBHA – a culture of care, fairness, innovation, and pride. It has been a genuine honour to serve as Chair and to see first-hand the difference that housing makes in people’s lives.”
Chief Executive Julia Mulloy paid tribute to Robin’s leadership, saying: “Robin has led SBHA with wisdom, dedication, and a deep commitment to our tenants and communities. His leadership has seen us through times of real challenge and moments of great achievement. He leaves us with strong foundations and a clear sense of purpose, and on behalf of the Board, the SBHA team, and our tenants, I want to offer our sincere thanks.”
Highlights of Robin Hill’s time as Chair include:
As the new Chair, Ian McDonald brings extensive financial and strategic expertise to the role. A Board Member since 2017, he has played a key role in overseeing governance and compliance.
Speaking of his appointment, Mr McDonald comments: “I'm really excited to be stepping into the role of Chair at such a great time for SBHA. Robin’s done a fantastic job, and I’m looking forward to building on that - working closely with tenants, partners, fellow Board members, and the brilliant SBHA team to deliver our ambitious Strategic and Business Plan for 2025–2030. Together, we’ll keep making sure people have safe, warm, and affordable homes, while helping communities grow stronger and helping people to have better futures.”