<p>David Cowans, former boss of Places for People, is set to join Regis Group as a senior strategic advisor.</p> <p><span>Cowans, who announced his </span><a href="https://www.house-builder.co.uk/news/places-peoples-david-cowans-retire">retirement</a><span> from the affordable homes-led placemaking company after 24 years last April, will advise residential property investor Regis Group on its new initiatives, focusing particularly on affordable housing. He will work with a team of industry and senior experts to identify and develop new real estate investment opportunities.</span></p><p></p> <p><span>Affordable homes innovator Cowans led the transformation of North British Housing into the Places for People Group, now a landlord of 219,000 homes and 100 leisure facilities. It boasts a turnover of £827 million and more than 10,000 employees. He developed an end-to-end offer for investors, customers, local authorities and the government.</span></p><p></p> <p><span>Harnessing this expertise and experience, Cowans will offer strategic advice to Regis. The company specialises in building and managing large-scale real estate investment platforms.</span></p><p></p> <p><span>Regis has a 40-year track record in the UK and US, with UK registered provider Sage Housing part of its stable, in partnership with Blackstone. Another platform includes Leaf Living, a specialist provider of professionally managed private rented sector housing, launched by Sage and Blackstone in 2021.</span></p><p></p> <p><span>Nick Gould, founder and executive …