Charmaine Simei has been named as the new chief executive of Tuntum Housing Association.
She will take up the post in October, after the current incumbent – Richard Renwick MBE – retires after almost three decades leading the East Midlands organisation.
Simei is currently director of customer experience and communities at Longhurst Group. She brings more than 25 years’ experience in social housing and related fields. This includes 12 years in senior leadership roles.
She is a board member for Communities that Work, the national voice of housing providers that support residents and communities into employment.
She is also a former chair of the Centre of Excellence Community Investment East of England network and co-chair of HACT’s Racial Equality Group, having been a long-serving mentor for the Housing Diversity Network.
Being appointed to lead Tuntum is an “honour”, Simei said.
“The association has a strong reputation as a community-based social housing provider with a proven ability to explore and generate new partnerships rooted in diversity,” she added.
This reflects my own career background and skill set, coupled with my deep personal commitment to uniting people and making a positive difference to everyday lives.
“I feel privileged to follow in Richard’s footsteps. He has done so much for Tuntum and the communities it serves.”
Tuntum is one of the largest independent black and minority ethnic (BME) housing providers in the UK.
Founded in 1988, the association owns and manages over 1,600 homes in 12 local authority areas across Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, and Derbyshire.
Junior Hemans, the organisation’s chair, said: “We are thrilled to appoint Charmaine as our new chief executive. She was the outstanding candidate and is a perfect fit for the role.
“I also wish to pay tribute to Richard who is retiring after spending 29 years growing and sustaining Tuntum. His dedication to the association, always true to the values that inform everything we do, will never be forgotten.”
Renwick says he is “proud” to be passing on the “leadership baton” to Simei.
“Her many talents and record of achievement in initiatives promoting social justice and economic resilience are well established, alongside a capacity for team-building,” he added.
“These are skills that will serve her and Tuntum well in the years ahead. I wish her every success in the role.”
Main image: Charmaine Simei has been named as Tuntum Housing Association’s new chief executive
Read next: MacGregor joins Housing Finance Corp board
Are you a social housing professional? Sign up for a FREE MEMBERSHIP to upload news stories, post job vacancies, and connect with colleagues on our secure social feed.
