Richard Kitson, former Head of the Aster Group and past President of the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) was awarded an OBE in the New Years Honours for services to the housing sector.

Richard, who is a housing and management consultant, was Housing Director at Bath City Council and Test Valley in Hampshire, Group Director for The Guinness Trust and most recently was Group Chief Executive of the Aster Group, one of the leading south west based housing association groups.

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Richard is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Housing, and was its President in 2001/02. He was a nationally elected member of the governing Council for nine years.

Richard said: "I hope that this is seen as an award for the very many conscientious and committed people who work in housing as much as for me. I have very much enjoyed my career in housing and especially my year as CIH President when I was able to lead such a vibrant, enterprising and friendly profession. I am still enjoying being involved in a number of roles and hope to continue to contribute to producing good quality and high standard affordable homes for some time to come."

Sarah Webb, CIH Chief Executive, said: "We are delighted and very proud that Richard has been recognised in this way. It is a tribute to his fantastic work leading the housing profession over the last thirty years."

(CD/GK)