Central-London-based Soho Housing Association has appointed Andrew Billany as chair of the board.
Alongside Barbara Brownlee, CEO of Soho Housing, he will serve as an ambassador for the organisation as it embarks on its next phase of development, with plans to create at least 30 new homes in the next five years.
Andrew brings a “wealth” of experience to the position, having worked in the housing, local authority, and voluntary sector in senior roles for over 20 years.
Andrew is currently corporate director of Housing and Community Safety at Dorset Council and a trustee of Nacro, the Social Justice charity.
Andrew has also worked in roles that include managing director at Homes for Haringey, in which he led the executive team in the management of housing services across the area; the director of Housing at Newham Council; and senior Housing Association roles such as the director of Home Ownership at The Guinness Partnership and chief executive of Hornsey Housing Trust.
Andrew joins as Soho Housing seeks to “get back to the basics” following the disruption caused by the pandemic.
The organisation says it aims to do this by reinvigorating its relationship with its residents through regular estate inspections and home visits, as well as expanding its investment programmes.
Soho says Andrew will help it to increase in-person interactions and forge a stronger community in the capital city.
Soho Housing also announced the start of its five-year development strategy earlier this year, and has since added eight affordable homes to the market on Greek Street.
‘Invaluable’ knowledge
Speaking about his appointment, Barbara Brownlee, chief executive of Soho Housing Association, said: “I’m pleased that Andrew is on board. With such extensive experience in the housing sector, his knowledge is invaluable to us as we embark on an exciting phase of development and community building.
“Andrew is joining at a crucial time for us, with the cost of living continuing to rise, our role as an affordable housing provider in the city is more vital than ever before.”
Andrew Billany said: “It’s great to be a part of an organisation that is supporting those who work in the capital city, to live here too.
“For decades, I have grown to know Soho, starting as a housing officer for Westminster Council in the 1980s and coming here regularly since that time to get my hair cut, see friends, and enjoy the vibrancy of the area.
“Seeing first-hand how businesses and residents have operated and developed over those decades has demonstrated to me just how crucial Soho’s economy is for London.
“Helping London’s workers remain in the city is key for the economy right now, as well as maintaining the diverse and lively community in London’s centre.”
Image: Andrew Billany, chair, Soho Housing
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