LEADING housing association Aster Group, which has offices in Horton Avenue, Devizes, has appointed Andrew Jackson as its new chairman.

Mr Jackson, pictured above, began his new role on October 1, replacing Mel Cook, who has been chair of the board since 2012.

He is already well known to Aster, having served on the group board, chaired the Group Audit Committee, Group Risk Committee, and been a member of the Group Remunerations and Nominations Committee for a number of months.

Prior to that, Mr Jackson served on the board of the group’s property maintenance and asset management division, Aster Property.

In a career spanning more than 45 years, Mr Jackson has held executive and non-executive directorships in a variety of industries, including energy and construction, with positions at UK Atomic Energy Authority, MW High Tech Projects Ltd and Alfred McAlpine.

A chartered accountant, he brings a wealth of experience to his new role including direct responsibility for financial affairs, risk management, internal control structures and performance monitoring.

Andrew He said: “It’s an exciting time to be taking on the role of chairman of the Aster Group Board.

"We launched our new group strategy earlier this year, which is underpinned by our vision that everyone should have a home."