<p>David Cowans, group ceo of Places for People, is to retire from the business on March 31 2022.</p> <p>Cowans, who has been boss of the multi-tenure developer for 24 years, will continue to head the group during the next 12 months to support “a planned transition process”. </p> <p>Under Cowans' leadership, Places for People has grown and expanded, and is a large affordable housing developer, focusing on placemaking and creating sustainable communities. It now manages around 200,000 homes across the country. </p> <p>Until his retirement, Cowans will continue to lead the implementation of the business plan and support the company’s succession planning.</p> <p>He said: “It has been, and remains, a privilege to have worked with many committed and hardworking people to develop the vision and the culture of the group as it is today. I am proud to be part of Places for People.”</p> <p>Richard Gregory, Places for People’s chairman, added: “The group will owe David a huge debt when David retires, as he will leave behind a legacy creating one of the country’s leading affordable-led placemakers. The strength in depth of the senior leadership team which David has assembled and handing over a business that is in very good …