Orbit has appointed Jonathan Hazeldine as head of empty homes renovations, a new role targeting consistency across its 47,000-home portfolio.
Hazeldine joins the housing provider after almost 20 years at Travelodge, where he built up extensive commercial property experience. He most recently served as operations manager for the hotel chain’s national refurbishment programme, overseeing large-scale upgrades across its estate.
In his new position, Hazeldine will lead the development of a new empty homes standard and coordinate refurbishment activity across Orbit’s portfolio. The role is intended to improve relet quality and ensure homes are ready for incoming customers to a consistently high standard.
Hazeldine said: “In hospitality, our aim was always to make customers feel like they were the very first people to stay in their room. I want to bring that same mindset to our empty homes, raising lettable standards and refining our specifications so that every new customer walks into a home that feels fresh, high-quality and ready for them to make their own.
“I was particularly drawn to Orbit’s genuine commitment to improving customer experience, and the opportunity this role offers to make a real and lasting difference to people’s lives.”
Jacqui Campbell, director of home safety and improvements at Orbit, said: “Providing customers with safe homes that they can be proud of is fundamental to what we do. This new role gives us a clear focus on such an important area.
“Jonathan brings a depth of refurbishment experience from outside the sector, alongside an engaging, people-focused approach, innovation, and a strong emphasis on value for money across the supply chain – and he is already making a positive difference.”
Image credit: 89stocker/Shutterstock
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