<p>Sir Edward Lister has been appointed as the new chairman of the Homes and Communities Agency. </p> <p>For the past five years Sir Edward has been London's deputy mayor for policy and planning and chief of staff at the Greater London Authority. His role included increasing public land disposals and developing new finance models to sustain investment in the capital's infrastructure.</p> <p>Prior to joining the GLA Sir Edward was leader of Wandsworth Council in London for 19 years.</p> <p>Communities secretary Greg Clark said: "The HCA has a big role to play in driving up housing. Sir Edward's experience and leadership that he brings to the HCA will ensure it is delivering the homes our nation needs."</p> <p>Sir Edward said: "I am excited to be joining the Homes and Communities Agency at this time to drive forward delivery of the most ambitious programme for housing in decades. I look forward to helping to build the capability of the Agency to deliver thousands of new homes across the country and meet people's aspirations for owning their own home."</p> <p> </p>