Tom Paul has been appointed to the role of designate executive director of Strategy and Change at new 77,000-home housing association Southern Housing.
Tom, who currently serves as director of Treasury and Commercial at Optivo, has almost two decades of experience in politics, consultancy, and the social housing sector.
Tom has advised government, the private sector, and housing associations on infrastructure, capital markets, and housing finance.
As executive director of Strategy and Change, Tom will be responsible for strategic and financial planning; integration and transformation; business intelligence and data; and treasury and corporate finance.
Paul Hackett, Southern Housing’s designate chief executive, said: “Merger creates considerable opportunities for the new Southern Housing to work with investors, funders, residents, and other partners and stakeholders to use our scale to make a difference in the communities in which we work.
“Tom brings a rare skill mix that will enable us to align our strategic and financial planning to invest in new and existing homes, transform our service offer and fulfil our commitment to people and place.”
Tom Paul said: “I’m delighted to be joining the executive team of the new Southern Housing.
“Economic uncertainty and the housing and climate crisis mean housing associations need to think differently, form new partnerships, and reimagine their service offers.
“I’m looking forward to ensuring Southern Housing is a leading provider and a force for good in the areas where we operate.”
Southern Housing merger
G15 housing provider Southern Housing is set to be officially established in the coming months following the merger between Southern Housing Group and Optivo.
The merger between Optivo and Southern Housing Group was approved earlier this month.
Image: Tom Paul, designate executive director of Strategy and Change, Southern Housing
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