Chan Kataria to retire after 21 years at the helm of EMH

East Midlands-housing provider EMH Group has announced the retirement of its chief executive Chan Kataria, after 21 years in the role.

Kataria has overseen a period of significant change during his tenure, growing from 8,000 homes and a revenue turnover of £19m when he started, to 22,000 homes across the East Midlands and a turnover of £154m.

Kataria will leave the Leicestershire-headquartered housing association towards the end of this year, staying to oversee recruitment of his replacement and a handover.

Kataria said: “It has been an honour and privilege to serve as chief executive at EMH. I am proud of the things we have achieved as an organisation. Even after all these years, I never fail to be amazed by the dedication and commitment of our colleagues who go the extra mile to make a real difference to the lives of our customers and communities on a daily basis.

He added: “With a recent regulatory result, stable financial position and a newly-shaped strong executive team, I know the organisation is in very good hands.”

Under his leadership, EMH established a strategic partnership with Homes England to develop up to 500 new homes for rent and shared ownership every year. It is also a lead investment partner in the Quantum Development Consortium.

Kataria is known for championing diversity, having developed a strategic partnership with the East Midlands Chamber to promote greater diversity in all businesses across the region. Some years ago, EMH introduced its Ethnicity Pay Gap reporting, the Rooney Rule for senior positions, and has sponsored the Women on Boards initiative in the housing sector.

Today EMH has 1,100 employees and the EMH Academy has helped 250 apprentices into careers.

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Professor David Russell, chair of EMH, said: “Chan has served emh with a passion and skill which has delivered so much, to so many. His 21-year tenure has seen EMH grow and change in so many ways, and yet still retain focus on everyday interactions and needs of customers. I’m sure he’ll continue to champion residents and their wellbeing in the future.

“As a board, we will now focus on the search for a suitable replacement for Chan. Running a strong, stable organisation is an opportunity I am sure many will relish, and in time I look forward to announcing Chan’s successor. In the meantime, on behalf of all the board, I want to say a huge thank you to Chan for such an inspiring legacy.”

Kataria served on the boards of the Chartered Institute of Housing professional body and the national PlaceShapers alliance of housing providers. He has also been chair of the National Housing Federation’s chief executive’s group in the Midlands. He is currently a member of the Midlands CBI Regional Board.