Choice expands leadership team with five senior appointments

Pictured (L-R) is Deirdre Steele (Group Head of Maple and May), Chris McGrath (Head of Legal Services), Shona Burke (Head of Customer Service Operations), Ken Ryan (Head of Facilities Management) and Leeanne Magee (Regional Head of Tenant and Client Services).

One of Northern Ireland’s largest social housing providers has expanded its senior leadership team from 13 to 18 people as it prepares for further growth in housing, tenant services and its private rental business.

Choice Housing has made five senior appointments, including three newly created positions, during the organisation’s 50th anniversary year. Two people have joined the group externally, while three existing employees have been promoted.

Choice owns and maintains approximately 14,000 properties across Northern Ireland. The organisation said the expanded team would help it respond to growing demand while maintaining the quality of its homes and services.

Five appointments and their responsibilities

Ken Ryan has joined Choice from Citibank as Head of Facilities Management. He will set the strategic direction for facilities management across the group, overseeing operational contracts, regulatory compliance and supplier performance to support efficient and consistently high-quality services.

Shona Burke has joined as Head of Customer Service Operations, bringing extensive operational leadership experience from the retail, customer service and regulated service sectors. She will lead Choice’s customer service strategy and oversee its day-to-day delivery, with responsibility for ensuring services remain responsive, accessible and consistent.

Deirdre Steele has been internally promoted to Head of Maple & May, Choice’s private rental subsidiary. She will lead the company’s strategic growth while overseeing tenancy management, portfolio performance, lettings systems and the handover of newly built homes.

Leeanne Magee has been promoted to Regional Head of Tenant and Client Services. Her role will provide strategic leadership across these services, with a focus on maintaining consistent standards and responding to changes within the social housing sector.

Chris McGrath has been appointed Head of Legal Services following another internal promotion. He will oversee legal risk and the delivery of Choice’s in-house legal service, supporting the group’s governance, regulatory compliance and organisational decision-making.

Choice Group Chief Executive Michael McDonnell said:

“These appointments represent a significant step forward for Choice as we continue to grow and evolve as an organisation. Strengthening our leadership team ensures we are well placed to meet growing demand, maintain consistently high standards, and deliver for communities in Northern Ireland.

“We are particularly pleased to welcome Ken and Shona to Choice, both of whom bring a wealth of experience and expertise to their respective roles. At the same time, the internal promotions of Deirdre, Leeanne and Chris reflect the strength of talent we have within the organisation, and our commitment to developing and recognising our people.

“Making these appointments during an important milestone of celebrating 50 years, adds an extra sense of significance,” he added.

“It is an opportunity not only to reflect on how far we have come, but to look ahead with confidence as we invest in our people, services and social housing.”

Affordable homes planned across Northern Ireland

As Head of Maple & May, Choice’s private rental subsidiary, Deirdre Steele will lead its strategic growth and oversee tenancy management, lettings, portfolio performance and the handover of newly built homes.

Maple & May recently announced plans to develop 300 affordable rented homes across Northern Ireland over the next five years. This will include the first Affordable Rent Homes scheme delivered in partnership with the Department for Communities.

Stuart Parker has also been recruited as Maple & May’s new manager and will oversee its day-to-day operations.

The wider leadership changes give Choice additional senior oversight of tenant and client services, facilities management, customer service operations and legal risk as the housing group expands its services and future supply of homes.