Stirrat will retire later in 2026 after more than four years spearheading the housing association.

In August this year, Fisher will join Grampian following a competitive recruitment drive. The Board’s recruitment panel were happy with his experience, strategic leadership skills and dedication to customer-driven services for housing. 

Fisher has over 25 years’ experience from leadership positions in Scotland, England and Australia - this includes over 15 years as a chief executive. He most recently serves as chief executive officer of Housing Choices Australia - one of Australia’s biggest national housing providers, overseeing 8,000 homes and assets over £750 million.

Prior to this, he spearheaded Housing Plus, an Australian regional housing, homelessness and community services organisation and England’s Equity Housing Group.

In response to his appointment, Fisher said: “Grampian has a well-deserved reputation as a high performing, customer focused organisation with a strong commitment to its customers, communities and colleagues. Those values resonate strongly with me.

“I am looking forward to meeting colleagues across the organisation, listening, learning and understanding what makes Grampian such a respected organisation. I believe good housing changes lives and the best organisations are those where colleagues, customers and partners work together to create stronger communities.”

Fisher added: “Together, I look forward to building on Grampian’s many strengths and helping shape the next chapter of its success.”

Grampian Housing Association chair Jim Cargill, said: “The recruitment panel was highly impressed by David’s extensive leadership experience, his deep understanding of housing, governance and customer services, and his clear passion for making a positive difference in people’s lives.

“David joins us with an exceptional track record of leading housing organisations through growth, delivering new homes, strengthening services and building strong partnerships with communities and stakeholders.”

Cargill added: “On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Craig for his outstanding commitment and leadership.”

Stirrat will stay at Grampian until September this year for the transmission of leadership to run smoothly.