HALTON social landlord Riverside has appointed a new chairman.

Max Steinberg CBE takes over from April 1.

It follows a rigorous recruitment process by the Riverside Group Board, which attracted a wide range of experienced external candidates.

Mr Steinberg, who will serve for an initial term of three years, said: “It is a great honour to be appointed at such a challenging time for the sector.

“Riverside’s portfolio of businesses embraces not only general needs housing, but a substantial care and support offering, as well as low cost home ownership and a number of successful joint venture partnerships.

“I believe we are in a strong position to meet the high expectations of government and customers alike, and I look forward to continuing our work with a talented and experienced board and management team.”

Philip Raw, Riverside’s interim chairman since October 2013, said: “It is no exaggeration to say that Max has been one of the sector's most respected and influential champions for over 30 years, so I am delighted by this appointment.”

Mr Steinberg has a wealth of housing and regeneration experience, holding leadership positions in The Housing Corporation, Regenerate Pennine Lancashire and most recently Liverpool Vision, the city’s economic development company, where he is currently chief executive.

He has a long association with Riverside dating back to the mid-1970s, and joined Group Board in 2009, becoming vice chairman in 2010.

He was awarded an OBE in 1997 for services to housing and regeneration on Merseyside and a CBE in 2013 for services to business and to the community in Liverpool.