Pat Ritchie CBE
Chair of Council
Pat Ritchie is a highly regarded and influential figure in the world of urban governance and regeneration. She has held senior roles in national, regional and local government.
In April 2025 Pat was appointed as interim Chair of Homes England in a position that is expected to last for up to 18 months, providing stability and momentum to Homes England while it continues to play a vital role in delivering this government’s housing agenda. Pat has been Chair of the Government Property Agency since 2020 and was previously Chief Executive of both Newcastle City Council and the Homes and Communities Agency. As Chief Executive of Newcastle City Council, Pat notably secured the multi-million-pound investment deal to bring Legal & General to Newcastle’s flagship ‘Helix’ development and led on negotiations to secure a devolution deal for the North of Tyne Mayoral Combined Authority. She led the city’s response to the pandemic and oversaw the Newcastle Covid Recovery Plan.
Pat has an Honorary Doctorate in Civil Law from Northumbria University and is a Fellow of Newcastle University.
Pat was awarded her CBE in January 2021 for services to Local Government and public service reform.
She lives in Corbridge and is married to Brian; they have 2 grown up children.
