The Government Property Agency has reappointed Pat Ritchie for a second term as chair as it continues a leadership rejig.
Ritchie, who was originally appointed chair in January 2020, has been handed a three-year contract extension until 2027. A press release announcing the reappointment said Ritchie "will continue to work closely with the wider board and executive team to support the GPA’s mission to create a better connected, better quality and greener government property estate".
The announcement follows the appointment of Mark Bourgeois as the GPA’s interim chief executive in November, after Steven Boyd stood down, and the hiring of Lisa Commane as chief operating officer in September. The GPA launched a recruitment campaign for a permanent chief exec last month, offering a salary of up to £220,000 a year.
Since Ritchie joined in 2020, the agency has grown significantly. It now manages nearly 1m sqm of the government’s property portfolio, providing strategic planning and workplace services to departments including design, property technology and workplace experience.
Ritchie said: “The GPA has already made great strides in creating a more modern, joined-up and efficient estate and I look forward to building on this success in my second term as chair.
“I’m incredibly passionate about the work we do, and my focus will continue to be on making sure we deliver a great experience for our clients and looking at how our activity can deliver wider benefits across the UK.
“By creating fantastic places that bring government teams closer to the communities they serve, we’re enabling our civil service to make the best possible impact it can while opening up opportunities for more people to enjoy rewarding public sector careers.”